Crossword Genius

Someone nosy sounding out fruit (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

medlar

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

'fruit' is the definition.
(apple-like fruit)

'someone nosy sounding' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'sounding' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is found in the answer.
'someone' could be 'md' (MD is an example) and 'md' is found within the leftover letters.
The remaining letters 'lar' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'out' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for medlar that I've seen before include "Dermal (anag.)" , "Apple-like fruit" , "Led ram (anag) - fruit related to the apple" , "Red Mal turns to the fruit tree" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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