Crossword Genius

Cross country (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

malta

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This clue might be a double definition.

'cross' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'country' is the second definition.
(I know that Malta is a country)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for malta that I've seen before include "Mediterranean island, capital Valletta" , "detached dwelling place" , "Island member of the European Union" , "Mediterranean island state" , "Island nation" .)

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