Crossword Genius

The last radioactive metal cable to an Italian or German (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

european

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

'italian or german' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'the last radioactive metal cable to an' is the wordplay.
'the last radioactive metal cable' becomes 'europe' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'europe'+'an'='EUROPEAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for european that I've seen before include "Citizen of the Union" , "'Belgian, Spaniard or Greek, say (8)'" , "Anti-UKIP" , "The continental is a pure one" , "German, for example" .)

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