Periodic payments (5)

I believe the answer is:

terms

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'periodic payments' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

This is the entire clue.

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(Other definitions for terms that I've seen before include "Conditions (contract)" , "Work periods" , "Opportunities to study" , "Stipulations, often joined to conditions" , "Phrases" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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