Smallest number in Meadow Street (5)

I believe the answer is:

least

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'smallest' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'meadow street' is the wordplay.
'meadow' becomes 'lea' (a lea is a grassy area).
'street' becomes 'st' (abbreviation).
'lea'+'st'='LEAST'

'number in' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for least that I've seen before include "Minimal amount" , "Smallest (in significance)" , "Superlatively little" , "Smallest part" , "Smallest in amount or degree" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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