Eminent lecturer returned around first half of term (5)
I believe the answer is:
noted
'eminent' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'lecturer returned around first half of term' is the wordplay.
'lecturer' becomes 'don' (don can mean an academic).
'returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'first half of' suggests halving the letters.
'don' written backwards gives 'nod'.
'term' cut in half is 'te'.
'nod' placed around 'te' is 'NOTED'.
(Other definitions for noted that I've seen before include "prominent" , "Having renown" , "Observed or took account of" , "Distinguished" , "Famous or eminent" .)