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Unspecified number subtracted from lower number (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ether

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'number' is the definition.
(anaesthetic, something which numbs)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ether that I've seen before include "number" , "Solvent; clear sky (poet.)" , "Anaesthetic liquid; clear sky" , "Medium supposedly" , "Colourless, highly flammable liquid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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