What does the cryptic crossword clue "Key language for gastropod (8)" mean?

The definition is "Key". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ESC (synonym of "Key") + ARGOT (synonym of "language"); definition: "gastropod" The answer is ESCARGOT.

Key language for gastropod (8)

Guardian Cryptic #28262 | 2 Down | 2020-10-12 flower

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