Crossword Genius

Possibly writing a note on part of table (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

radon

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

'possibly writing a note on' is the wordplay.
'possibly' becomes 'on' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'writing' becomes 'r' (one of the traditional three R's of education).
'note' becomes 'D' (musical note).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'r'+'a'+'d'='rad'
'on' after 'rad' is 'RADON'.

'part of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for radon that I've seen before include "Radioactive gas, linked to granite" , "Gaseous element, Rn" , "Inert gas - adorn (anag)" , "gets no reaction" , "hazardous substance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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