Crossword Genius

Rodent in the open an American soldier traps (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agouti

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This could be a double definition.

'rodent' is the first definition.
(agouti is a kind of rodent)

'open an american soldier traps' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'in the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agouti that I've seen before include "Burrowing rodent - IOU tag (anag)" , "Creature" , "S.Amer. rodent" , "animal" , "Rodent related to the guinea pig" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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