What does the cryptic crossword clue "One detecting tail of carpet snake (6)" mean?

The definition is "One detecting". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). T (synonym="tail of carpet") + RACER (synonym="a kind of North American snake, I guessed then checked afterwards") = TRACER; definition: "One detecting" The answer is TRACER.

One detecting tail of carpet snake (6)

Times Cryptic #28731 | 1 Across | 2023-10-11 flower

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