Spells words (5)
I believe the answer is:
terms
I believe this is a double definition.
'spells' is the first definition.
(both can mean periods of time)
'words' is the second definition.
(term is a kind of word)
(Other definitions for terms that I've seen before include "Academic periods" , "Work periods" , "Times" , "Divisions of the academic year" , "Conditions; charge" .)