Cosmetic preparation dispatched, we hear (5)
I believe the answer is:
scent
'cosmetic preparation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'dispatched we hear' is the wordplay.
'dispatched' becomes 'sent' (I've seen this before).
'we hear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'sent' sounds like 'SCENT'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scent that I've seen before include "Fragrance" , "Bouquet" , "Pleasant odour" , "Number of clues" , "Distinctive aroma" .)