Crossword Genius

Vessel seen surrounded by an American valley or mountain (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

annapurna

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

'mountain' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both natural objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'vessel seen surrounded by an american valley' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'vessel' could be 'urn' (urn is a kind of vessel) and 'urn' is found in the answer.
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is located in the answer.
'american' could be 'a' (common abbreviation - e.g. in organisation names) and 'a' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for annapurna that I've seen before include "Range" , "Himalayan peak; Hindu goddess of plenty" , "high ridge" .)

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