Crossword Genius

Lack of top cover in Apia? Cole confused! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alopecia

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

'lack of top cover' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'apia? cole confused' is the wordplay.
'confused' indicates an anagram.
'apia'+'cole'='apiacole'
'apiacole' anagrammed gives 'ALOPECIA'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alopecia that I've seen before include "Condition causing loss of hair" , "Shock loss" , "can be distressing!" , "Condition that causes loss of hair" , "distressed state" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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