Imitation of ape and feline (7)

I believe the answer is:

copycat

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'imitation' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'ape and feline' is the wordplay.
'ape' becomes 'copy' (synonyms).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'feline' becomes 'cat' (cat is a kind of feline).
'copy'+'cat'='COPYCAT'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for copycat that I've seen before include "Mimic" , "Slavish imitator" , "Ape" , "One imitating another" , "Emulator" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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