Crossword Genius

Constricted by Platonic love, nearly separated (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cloven

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'constricted by' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'platonic love nearly separated' is the wordplay.
'CLOVEN' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cloven that I've seen before include "Divided like feet of sheep" , "Cleft" , "Split or divided, as a hoof perhaps" , "Split (like some hoofs)" , "Split, hoof say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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