Crossword Genius

Put half-serves around side of cooker (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steamer

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

'side of cooker' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'put half-serves around' is the wordplay.
'put' becomes 'team' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'half' means to take half the letters.
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'serves' halved is 'ser'.
'team' placed inside 'ser' is 'STEAMER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for steamer that I've seen before include "Cooking apparatus" , "Ocean liner" , "Boat; type of saucepan" , "Wetsuit" , "Cooker; ship" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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