Crossword Genius

Thirty-nine of them could be novel (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steps

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'novel' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for steps that I've seen before include "Footfalls" , "Buchan's 1915 novel has 39 of them" , "blocks supporting masts" , "taken to get on" , "dancing?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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