Crossword Genius

The state Reg is in (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oregon

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

'in' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'the state reg' is the wordplay.
'the state' becomes 'OR'.
'reg' becomes 'egon' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'or'+'egon'='OREGON'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oregon that I've seen before include "America's Beaver State" , "State of north-west US" , "American Pacific state" , "Old trail led here" , "State near Washington" .)

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