Crossword Genius

Part of Rhode Island is next to Connecticut (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

disconnect

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

'part' is the definition.
(I know that disconnect is a type of part)

'of rhode island is next to connecticut' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found within the answer.
'island' could be 'is' (abbreviation) and 'is' is present in the answer.
'connecticut' could be 'ct' (US postal abbreviation) and 'ct' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for disconnect that I've seen is " Uncouple".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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