Crossword Genius

A pile of snow - like an ice floe? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adrift

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'snow like an ice floe?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'a pile' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'drift' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adrift that I've seen before include "not settled" , "Off course" , "Rudderless, astray" , "Floating unattached as at sea" , "Aimlessly floating" .)

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