Crossword Genius

Pointed item: observe cutter, did you say? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

icicle

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'say?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for icicle that I've seen before include "Hanging ice; stalactite" , "Frozen droplet" , "Hanging piece of frozen liquid" , "Spear of 23 down" , "A pentent spear of frozen water" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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