A lot of yards being 50% camomile (4)

I believe the answer is:

mile

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'a lot' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'yards being 50% camomile' is the wordplay.
'MILE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mile that I've seen before include "'1,760 yards (4)'" , "Eight furlongs" , "1.61km" , "Measure" , "Unit of distance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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