Crossword Genius

Some time taken to form words (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spell

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

'words' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Magic words ' mean 'spell' so perhaps 'words' could also mean 'spell')

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spell that I've seen before include "Formula believed to have magical force" , "Name in order the letters of the alphabet involved" , "Identify individual characters" , "Incantation; splinter of wood" , "Trance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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