Crossword Genius

Housing developments in European countries (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

estates

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'housing developments' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'european countries' is the wordplay.
'european' becomes 'e' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'countries' becomes 'states' (state can mean a country or nation).
'e'+'states'='ESTATES'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for estates that I've seen before include "lands for development" , "Large cars" , "residential areas" , "Country properties" , "Demesnes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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