The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CONSISTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
O
N
S
I
S
T
S
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CONSISTS mean?
CONSISTS verb- To be.
- To exist.
- (with in) To be comprised or contained.
- (with of) To be composed, formed, or made up (of).
- A lineup or sequence of railroad carriages or cars, with or without a locomotive, that form a unit.