Thirty-nine of them could be novel (5)
I believe the answer is:
steps
'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.
Can you help me to learn more?
(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?" .)