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- Dictionarykey/kiː/
noun
- 1. a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it: "there were two keys to the cupboard"
- 2. each of several buttons on a panel for operating a computer, typewriter, or telephone: "press the ENTER key"
adjective
- 1. of crucial importance: "she became a key figure in the suffragette movement"
verb
- 1. enter or operate on (data) by means of a computer keyboard or telephone keypad: "not everyone can key data quickly and accurately"
- 2. fasten (something) in position with a pin, wedge, or bolt: "the coils may be keyed into the slots by fibre wedges"
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: a usually metal instrument that is used to open a lock or to start or access a mechanism. my house/car keys. turned the key in the lock/ignition. … a metallic rattle, like keys being jangled. Derwent May. b. : something that resembles a key in form or function. a key for winding a clock.
KEY definition: 1. a piece of metal that has been cut into a special shape and is used for opening or closing a…. Learn more.
a pin, bolt, wedge, or other piece inserted in a hole or space to lock or hold parts of a mechanism or structure together; a cotter. a small piece of steel fitting into matching slots of a hub of a wheel or the like and the shaft on which the wheel is mounted so that torque is transmitted from one to the other.
1. a. A notched and grooved, usually metal implement that is turned to open or close a lock. b. A similar implement or an electronic device used for opening, winding, or starting something: the key of a wind-up alarm clock; the new car's electronic key. c. A device, such as a wedge or pin, inserted to lock together mechanical or structural parts.
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle.
Definition of key noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
A key is a piece of metal that fits inside a lock and turns to open it. You might have a key ring with a house key, a car key, and maybe several more keys.
Key Definition. An instrument, usually of metal, for moving the bolt of a lock and thus locking or unlocking something. Any of several instruments or mechanical devices resembling or suggesting this in form or use. Something regarded as like a key in opening or closing a way, revealing or concealing, etc. A keycard.
an explanation of abbreviations, symbols, and the like used in a dictionary, map, etc.: a pronunciation key. Computing one of the buttons or levers on the keyboard of a typewriter, computer, piano, or the like, that are pressed to operate the device.
a piece of metal cut into a particular shape and used for locking things such as doors, or for starting an engine: I've lost my car keys. Fewer examples. I heard someone turn a key in the lock. It's a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere safe. Have you got a key to the house? He had lost his front-door key. I need to get some more keys cut.
