A number like it (5)

I believe the answer is:

digit

'a number' is the definition.
(digit is a kind of whole number)

'like it' is the wordplay.
'like' becomes 'dig' (to dig can mean to appreciate or 'get').
'dig'+'it'='DIGIT'

(Other definitions for digit that I've seen before include "Need a bit of a hand" , "A small number" , "finger, perhaps" , "Single numeral" , "One's on hand" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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