Crossword Genius

Tree sap forced out (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asp

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'forced out' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'tree sap' is the wordplay.
'sap' can be anagrammed to 'ASP'.
Though, I'm unsure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for asp that I've seen before include "It proved deadly for Cleopatra" , "the snake in Cleopatra''s bosom" , "Snake found in spa" , "One secreting poison" , "Small poisonous snake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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