Crossword Genius

Small pasty-faced bulb developer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

swan

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'bulb developer' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'small pasty-faced' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'pasty-faced' becomes 'wan' (I've seen this in another clue).
's'+'wan'='SWAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for swan that I've seen before include "... Australian river" , "Mute, whooper or Bewick's bird" , "Cob - pen" , "Whooper or trumpeter?" , "Large aquatic bird" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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