Crossword Genius

They are joined by those seeking an explanation (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dots

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

'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dots that I've seen before include "Tiny spots" , "Tiny circles" , "Shorter signals in the Morse code" , "Short signals in Morse cods" , "Very small round shapes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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