Crossword Genius

What could attract a greater number to get back in ring (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pheromone

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'back in ring' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'what could attract a greater number' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' could be 'one' and 'one' is present in the answer.
'number' could be 'm' (M is an example) and 'm' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to get' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pheromone that I've seen before include "What attracts" , "Chemical signal between organisms" , "Chemical attractor" , "Substance secreted that affects others of same species" , "Chemical affecting behaviour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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