Inert gas swallowed the new-born (7)

I believe the answer is:

neonate

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'new-born' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'inert gas swallowed' is the wordplay.
'inert gas' becomes 'neon' (I've seen this before).
'swallowed' becomes 'ate' (swallow can mean to eat).
'neon'+'ate'='NEONATE'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neonate that I've seen before include "Recently born child" , "New baby" , "Newborn baby" , "Recent arrival" , "One in delivery ward" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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