Sustained applause (7)
I believe the answer is:
ovation
'sustained applause' is the definition.
(as in a standing ovation)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for ovation that I've seen before include "Round of applause, may be standing" , "Enthusiastic reception" , "Great outburst of applause" , "Enthusiastic applause, perhaps standing" , "Clapping" .)