Something sticky in place (3)

I believe the answer is:

lac

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

'something sticky' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'in place' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'LAC' is hidden in the letters of 'place'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lac that I've seen before include "Ingredient of varnish" , "Huge sum" , "Resinous substance an insect secretes" , "Resin used to make varnish" , "Natural product" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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