Purpose of oil used by female (8)
I believe the answer is:
function
'purpose' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'oil used by female' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'female' could be 'f' (abbreviation) and 'f' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'unction' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for function that I've seen before include "Operate" , "Work - party" , "Formal event; mathematic expression" , "Special task - role" , "Formal social event" .)