Crossword Genius

Usable for stiffening charts, perhaps? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'usable for stiffening' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'charts perhaps?' is the wordplay.
'perhaps?' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'perhaps' mean this).
'charts' anagrammed gives 'STARCH'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starch that I've seen before include "Setter" , "rigid" , "Stiffening preparation used in laundering" , "Stiffener in the laundry" , "Carbohydrate that occurs in all green plants" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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