Crossword Genius

Diminutive underground guard (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gnome

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This might be a double definition.

'diminutive' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'underground guard' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gnome that I've seen before include "Dwarf (found in garden?)" , "Little garden person?" , "Fairy-tale creature, in the garden perhaps" , "Fairytale dwarf, often in garden" , "Mythical creature" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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