Crossword Genius

Spike not good after tip removed from pointed spear (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

harpoon

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'spear' is the definition.
(I know that harpoon is a type of spear)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for harpoon that I've seen before include "Whale-hunting spear" , "whaling equipment" , "Spear with a line attached for fishing" , "Barbed whale-spear" , "Spear for old whaler" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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