Empty terminals around diametrically opposite points (9)
I believe the answer is:
antipodes
'empty terminals' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'around diametrically opposite points' is the wordplay.
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'diametrically' becomes 'pod' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'opposite' becomes 'anti'.
'points' becomes 'Es' (two compass points).
'anti'+'es'='anties'
'pod' inserted into 'anties' is 'ANTIPODES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for antipodes that I've seen before include "Exact opposites" , "Do panties (anag.)" , "home for Anzacs" , "Diametrically opposite location" , "Australia and New Zealand, to Britain" .)