Particular time in novel ideal (6)
I believe the answer is:
detail
'particular' is the definition.
('detail' can be a synonym of 'particular')
'time in novel ideal' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 't'.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'novel' indicates anagramming the letters.
'ideal' is an anagram of 'deail'.
't' inserted inside 'deail' is 'DETAIL'.
(Other definitions for detail that I've seen before include "Dilate with individual item" , "A small or subordinate particular" , "Small point" , "Small detachment of troops or police on special assignment" , "Small or important part" .)