Crossword Genius

Long period of time that’s new? (and a hint to eight other clues) (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yearn

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'long' is the definition.
(I know that long can be written as yearn)

'period of time that's new? and a hint to eight other clues' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'period' could be 'year' (year is a kind of period) and 'year' is present in the answer.
'new?' could be 'n' (abbreviation as in New Testament NT) and 'n' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yearn that I've seen before include "lust" , "Have strong desire" , "wish" , "Mark of injury" , "Long (for something)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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