What does the cryptic crossword clue "Homer, say, to scratch head and hum (4)" mean?

The definition is "hum". The wordplay uses a deletion. REEK (deletion) = REEK; definition: "hum" The answer is REEK.

Homer, say, to scratch head and hum (4)

Times Cryptic #28729 | 8 Down | 2023-10-09 flower