Crossword Genius

Serious biter barking at gorilla (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alligator

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'serious biter' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'barking at gorilla' is the wordplay.
'barking' is an anagram indicator ('barking' can informally mean mad).
'at'+'gorilla'='atgorilla'
'atgorilla' anagrammed gives 'ALLIGATOR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alligator that I've seen before include "Dangerous creature" , "What can go with pear" , "Croc's close relative" , "one bites voraciously?" , "Reptile of the Florida Everglades" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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