Crossword Genius

Is important and one doesn’t leave out of the reckoning (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

counts

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'is' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for counts that I've seen before include "Determines the number of" , "Enumerates like minor aristocracy" , "Numbers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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