Crossword Genius

Sort of deflation that has a detrimental effect on growth? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defoliant

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'sort of deflation that has a detrimental effect on growth?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'sort of deflation' is the wordplay.
'sort of' indicates an anagram.
'deflation' is an anagram of 'DEFOLIANT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for defoliant that I've seen before include "wood-stripper" , "stripper" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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