Crossword Genius

Not silent tears (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rips

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'tears' is the definition.
(I know this)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rips that I've seen before include "cuts" , "Tears violently" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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