Crossword Genius

Second, not first number is samey (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

monotone

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

'samey' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'second not first number' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 'mo' (both are short periods of time).
'first number' becomes 'one' (I've seen this in another clue).
'mo'+'not'+'one'='MONOTONE'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for monotone that I've seen before include "Utterance at a single unvaried level" , "Sound of unchanging pitch" , "Flat and unchanging in pitch" , "Flat voice" , "Dull delivery" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app