Testing periods as result of strange absorption (10)

I believe the answer is:

probations

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'testing periods' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'strange absorption' is the wordplay.
'strange' indicates an anagram.
'absorption' with letters rearranged gives 'PROBATIONS'.

'as result of' acts as a link.

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I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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