A major land mass though it could be minor (4)

I believe the answer is:

asia

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'a major land mass' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for asia that I've seen before include "Major land mass" , "Heavily populated area" , "Large area" , "Tigers found here" , "One-third of all land" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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