quantity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
    amount; measure.
  2. noun an adequate or large amount
    • he had a quantity of ammunition
  3. noun the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable

WordNet

Quan"ti*ty transitive verb
Etymology
L. quantus now much + -fy.
Definitions
  1. To modify or qualify with respect to quantity; to fix or express the quantity of; to rate.
Quan"ti*ty noun
Etymology
F. quantite, L. quantitas, fr. quantus bow great, how much, akin to quam bow, E. how, who. See Who.
Wordforms
plural Quantities
Definitions
  1. The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being measurable, or capable of increase and decrease, multiplication and division; greatness; and more concretely, that which answers the question "How much?"; measure in regard to bulk or amount; determinate or comparative dimensions; measure; amount; bulk; extent; size. Hence, in specific uses: (a) (Logic) The extent or extension of a general conception, that is, the number of species or individuals to which it may be applied; also, its content or comprehension, that is, the number of its constituent qualities, attributes, or relations. (b) (Gram.) The measure of a syllable; that which determines the time in which it is pronounced; as, the long or short quantity of a vowel or syllable. (c) (Mus.) The relative duration of a tone.
  2. That which can be increased, diminished, or measured; especially (Math.), anything to which mathematical processes are applicable. ✍ Quantity is discrete when it is applied to separate objects, as in number; continuous, when the parts are connected, either in succession, as in time, motion, etc., or in extension, as by the dimensions of space, viz., length, breadth, and thickness.
  3. A determinate or estimated amount; a sum or bulk; a certain portion or part; sometimes, a considerable amount; a large portion, bulk, or sum; as, a medicine taken in quantities, that is, in large quantities.
    The quantity of extensive and curious information which he had picked up during many months of desultory, but not unprofitable, study. Macaulay.

Webster 1913