Crossword Genius

No mail distribution around November, in theory (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nominal

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

'no mail distribution around november in theory' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'no mail distribution around november in' is the wordplay.
'distribution' is an anagram indicator.
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'november' becomes 'N' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'mail' with letters rearranged gives 'mial'.
'no' inserted into 'mial' is 'nomial'.
'nomial' placed around 'n' is 'NOMINAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nominal that I've seen before include "virtually nothing" , "In name only or of token value (7)" , "In name only or token payment" , "Insignificantly small - token" , "Theoretical - token" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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