In short, ten men nearly meaning nine (5)

I believe the answer is:

ennea

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'nine' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'in short ten men nearly' is the wordplay.
'ENNEA' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

'meaning' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

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

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