Crossword Genius

Person using drill interrupts speaker (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

operator

'person' is the definition.
(operator is a kind of person)

'drill interrupts speaker' is the wordplay.
'drill' becomes 'pe' (Physical Education).
'interrupts' is an insertion indicator.
'speaker' becomes 'orator' (orator is a kind of speaker).
'pe' inserted into 'orator' is 'OPERATOR'.

'using' is the link.

(Other definitions for operator that I've seen before include "Machinist -- or surgeon?" , "Person who directs or controls, machine say (8)." , "Driver" , "Person who runs a machine or a business" , "Mathematical symbol" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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