The clue is 15 down:
Glassware support absorbing blows from underneath (4,4).
The answer is test tube but what is the reasoning?
I have recently started trying to learn how to do cryptic crosswords which is bringing joy and frustration in equal measure so am grateful for any help!
I was thinking maybe:
support = a base word
absorbing =containment indicator
blows = letters to insert or remove
from underneath = reversal indicator as the clue is a down one
Short of maybe being descriptive of absorbing heat from a Bunsen burner, which seems pretty weak, I can't see any logic.