Very absorbed by period leading to spring (10)
I believe the answer is:
spellbound
'very absorbed' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'period leading to spring' is the wordplay.
'period' becomes 'spell' (spell can mean a period of time).
'leading to' says to put letters next to each other (some letters go before or lead others).
'spring' becomes 'bound' (both can mean to jump).
'spell'+'bound'='SPELLBOUND'
'by' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spellbound that I've seen before include "Captivated" , "frozen" , "Rooted to the spot" , "Fascinated" , "Entranced" .)