Crossword Genius

Some old boy's mater? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alma

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

'some old' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'boy's mater?' is the wordplay.
'boy' becomes 'al' ().
'mater?' becomes 'ma' (synonyms).
'al'+'ma'='ALMA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alma that I've seen before include "dancing girl" , "Essence" , "Battle of the -- was in the Crimean War" , "Loving girl" , "The . . . . Mater is the old school" .)

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