Crossword Genius

I might be hearing “icicle”, apparently (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eavesdropper

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'i' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eavesdropper that I've seen before include "He may hear private confessions" , "Reproved apes (anag.)" , "One listens secretly" , "Secret listener" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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