Crossword Genius

Declared Englishman to be very effusive (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

geyser

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'declared englishman' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for geyser that I've seen before include "Intermittent hot spring" , "upsurge" , "wall heater" , "Spring spouting steam and hot water" , "Spring that spouts hot water" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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