By area, the smallest US state (5,6)

I believe the answer is:

rhode island

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This could be a double definition.

'by area' is the first definition.
'Rhode Island' can be an answer for 'area' (Rhode Island is an example). I am not certain of the 'by' bit.

'smallest us state' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rhode island that I've seen before include "Part of America" , "The Ocean State, capital Providence" , "New England state" , "Smallest state of the USA" , "Smallest US state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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