Crossword Genius

Republic partly contributes to Niagara

Ross

I believe the answer is:

estonia

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'republic' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'partly contributes to niagara' is the wordplay.
'partly' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ESTONIA' can be found hidden inside 'contributes to niagara'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for estonia that I've seen before include "European country, capital Tallinn" , "Republic in the Baltic region, once part of USSR" , "East European country" , "So eat in here in Eastern Europe" , "Nation" .)

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