ARU also creates exciting time (7)

I believe the answer is:

arousal

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'exciting time' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'aru also creates' is the wordplay.
'creates' indicates an anagram.
'aru'+'also'='arualso'
'arualso' with letters rearranged gives 'AROUSAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arousal that I've seen before include "Act of waking (someone)" , "Awakening (of emotion, etc)" , "Awakening; stimulation" , "Drinking spree" , "Act of awakening" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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