Plus three characters out of thousands (3)

I believe the answer is:

and

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

'plus' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'three characters out of thousands' is the wordplay.
'AND' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for and that I've seen before include "See 20" , "Most-used conjunction in English" , "Also" , "It connects words, clauses or sentences" , "Plus" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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