Crossword Genius

Ventilator black, inferior (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blower

'ventilator' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'black inferior' is the wordplay.
'black' becomes 'b' (abbreviation as in pencil classifications).
'inferior' becomes 'lower' (similar in meaning).
'b'+'lower'='BLOWER'

(Other definitions for blower that I've seen before include "Fan; telephone (colloq.)" , "Fan - phone" , "Fan - telephone (slang)" , "Speaking-tube" , "Telephone (informal)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app