Crossword Genius

Pick up faint broadcast in the ether (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

midair

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

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

'pick up faint broadcast' is the wordplay.
'pick up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'faint' becomes 'dim' ('dim' can be a synonym of 'faint').
'broadcast' becomes 'air' ('air' can be a synonym of 'broadcast').
'dim' back-to-front is 'mid'.
'mid'+'air'='MIDAIR'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for midair that I've seen before include "In process of flight" , "At some point above the ground" , "Like some plane collisions" , "place above ground" , "like that of a lark" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app