Crossword Genius

Source of inspiration right behind miners’ union’s top figure (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

numerator

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'top figure' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'source of inspiration right behind miners' union's' is the wordplay.
'source of inspiration' becomes 'erato' (I've seen this before).
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'behind' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'miners' union' becomes 'num' (I've seen this before).
'erato'+'r'='erator'
'erator' put after 'num' is 'NUMERATOR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for numerator that I've seen before include "Upper part of fraction" , "it goes over the line" , "fractional dividend" , "the superior figure" , "Upper half of fraction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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