What does the cryptic crossword clue "A frenzy of war cries and whirling blades (8)" mean?

The definition is "blades". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of WAR + CRIES = AIRSCREW; definition: "blades" The answer is AIRSCREW.

A frenzy of war cries and whirling blades (8)

Guardian Cryptic #23282 | 19 Across | 2004-10-25 flower