Some apparently backward times (3)
I believe the answer is:
era
'times' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to time as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'some apparently backward' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some parts of the word are used).
'backward' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'are' is hidden within 'apparently'.
'are' backwards is 'ERA'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for era that I've seen before include "Special time" , "Period, age" , "Aeon" , "Important time" , "Period of alteration" .)