Lorry about to leave snowy area (5)

I believe the answer is:

artic

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'lorry' is the definition.
(articulated lorry is a semi-trailer truck)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for artic that I've seen before include "This transports freight" , "Large vehicle" , "Heavy transporter" , "Lorry (abbrev.)" , "Polar region" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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