Crossword Genius

The works of research have the three points (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

theses

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

'the works of research' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'the three points' is the wordplay.
'three points' means three replacements for 'point'.
'point' becomes 's' (S is an example).
'point' becomes 'e' (compass point).
'point' becomes 's'.
'the'+'s'+'e'+'s'='THESES'

'have' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for theses that I've seen before include "Essays on a theme" , "Degree dissertations" , "Premises" , "Academic dissertations" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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