Crossword Genius

Serve bass in a dressing, causing sharpness (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abrasiveness

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

'sharpness' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'serve bass in a dressing' is the wordplay.
'serve bass in a' anagrams to 'ABRASIVENESS'.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'causing' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abrasiveness that I've seen before include "Harsh manner" , "feeling rough" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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