Crossword Genius

Number initially applauded on stage (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amount

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'number initially' is the definition.
'amount' can be an answer for 'number' (thesaurus). I'm unsure of the 'initially' bit.

'applauded on stage' is the wordplay.
'applauded' becomes 'a' (this might be a standard abbreviation of which I'm unaware).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'stage' becomes 'mount' (I've seen this before).
'a'+'mount'='AMOUNT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for amount that I've seen before include "Sum of money" , "Supply" , "Total or extent" , "Add up or be equivalent to" , "Size" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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