n. & v.
--n.
1. a quantity, esp. the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, extent, etc. (a large amount of money; came to a considerable amount).
2 the full effect or significance.
--v.intr. (foll. by to) be equivalent to in number, size, significance, etc. (amounted to {pound}100; amounted to a disaster).
Phrases and idioms:
any amount of a great deal of. no amount of not even the greatest possible amount of.
Etymology: ME f. OF amunter f. amont upward, lit. uphill, f. L ad montem