Crossword Genius

Instrument failing to maintain charged particle's congruent state (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

accord

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'instrument' is the definition.
(accord is a kind of instrument)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for accord that I've seen before include "Peace and agreement" , "concert" , "Agreement - conformity" , "Myra -, pianist; Rudolf -, Nazi" , "Harmony and fellowship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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