Output of a cold, curious, absorbing man (5)
I believe the answer is:
rheum
'output of a cold' is the definition.
'rheum' can be an answer for 'cold' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'output of a' bit.
'curious absorbing man' is the wordplay.
'curious' becomes 'rum' (synonyms).
'absorbing' indicates putting letters inside.
'man' becomes 'he' (he refers to a man).
'rum' placed around 'he' is 'RHEUM'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rheum that I've seen before include "Eyes watering" , "Moist discharge from nose or eyes" , "Rhubarb genus; a head cold" , "runny nose" , "Catarrh" .)