Crossword Genius

States previously ... "Cancel ring-shaped part!" (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

annulus

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

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

'states previously cancel' is the wordplay.
'states' becomes 'US' (abbreviation for the United States).
'previously' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'cancel' becomes 'annul' (annulling is a kind of cancelling).
'us' put after 'annul' is 'ANNULUS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for annulus that I've seen before include "Ring-shaped object" , "Ring-shaped structure" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app