Crossword Genius

Spud listens to brass (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tuber

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'spud' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'listens to brass' is the wordplay.
'listens to' shows a homophone (sound like) (I've seen 'listen to' mean this).
'brass' becomes 'tuba' (tuba is a kind of brass).
'tuba' sounds like 'TUBER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tuber that I've seen before include "or still vegetating?" , "traveller down in London?" , "Type of plant, potato say" , "Eg, dahlia root" , "Underground stem, root" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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