Crossword Genius

Cross thoroughfare with nothing covering area inside it (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rood

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'cross' is the definition.
(term for a crucifix)

'thoroughfare with nothing covering area inside it' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'nothing' could be 'o' (looks like zero - 0) and 'o' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'rod' 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).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rood that I've seen before include "Crucifix in entrance, set back" , "Old land measure of quarter of an acre" , "Crucifix in church; one quarter of an acre" , "Crucifix on part of an acre" , "Area equal to 40 square rods" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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