Crossword Genius

One instrumental in making up a collection? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cello

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one instrumental in' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'up a collection?' is the wordplay.
'CELLO' is hidden backwards within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'making' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cello that I've seen before include "Lloyd Webber's instrument" , "Bass stringed instrument" , "Instrument in the violin family" , "big fiddle?" , "large-scale fiddle" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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