A long time in summer and autumn (3)

I believe the answer is:

era

'a long time' is the definition.
(a long period of time)

'in summer and autumn' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'ERA' is hidden within 'summer and autumn'.

(Other definitions for era that I've seen before include "quite some time" , "Long period of time" , "Distinct period in history" , "Distinctive period of time" , "US equality law" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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