Crossword Genius

Romeo entering small wood causes laugh on stage (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

corpse

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'laugh on stage' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'romeo entering small wood' is the wordplay.
'romeo' becomes 'R' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'entering' indicates putting letters inside.
'small wood' becomes 'copse' (small woodland area).
'r' going within 'copse' is 'CORPSE'.

'causes' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for corpse that I've seen before include "Dead body" , "Roof beam" , "Dead bodies" , "Cadaver, dead person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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