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1. Dictionary

   key

   /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"
   • ▪ a shaped metal implement for operating a switch in the form of a lock, especially one operating the ignition of a motor vehicle: "Nat turned the key in the ignition"
   • ▪ an instrument for grasping and turning a screw, peg, or nut, especially one for winding a clock or turning a valve.
   • ▪ a pin, bolt, or wedge inserted into a hole or between parts so as to lock the parts together.
   • 2. each of several buttons on a panel for operating a computer, typewriter, or telephone: "press the ENTER key"
   • ▪ a lever depressed by the finger in playing an instrument such as the organ, piano, flute, or concertina: "a piece composed solely for the white keys on the piano"
   • ▪ a lever operating a mechanical device for making or breaking an electric circuit, for example in telegraphy.
   • 3. a thing that provides a means of achieving or understanding something: "discipline seems to be the key to her success" Similar answercluesolutionexplanationpointercueleadbasis offoundation forrequisite forconditionpreconditionessentialmeanswayroutepathpassportsecretformulaguideglossglossaryinterpretationexplicationtranslationclarificationexpositionannotationindexlegendcode
   • ▪ an explanatory list of symbols used in a map, table, etc.
   • ▪ a set of answers to exercises or problems: "a key at the back of the book provides the answers"
   • ▪ a word or system for solving a cipher or code: "it took him some time to find the key, the connection between the code and the Odyssey"
   • ▪ the first move in the solution of a chess problem.
   • ▪ a field in a record which is used to identify that record uniquely.
   • 4. a group of notes based on a particular note and comprising a scale, regarded as forming the tonal basis of a piece of music: "the key of E minor" Similar tonepitchtimbretonalitytone colourmodulation
   • ▪ the tone or pitch of someone's voice: "his voice had changed to a lower key"
   • ▪ the prevailing tone of a piece of writing, situation, etc.: "it was like the sixties all over again, in a new, more austerely intellectual key" Similar stylecharactermoodveinspiritfeelfeelingflavourqualityhumouratmosphere
   • ▪ the prevailing range of tones in a painting: "these mauves, lime greens, and saffron yellows recall the high key of El Greco's palette"
   • 5. the dry winged fruit of an ash, maple, or sycamore, typically growing in bunches; a samara.
   • 6. the part of a first coat of wall plaster that passes between the laths and so secures the rest.
   • ▪ the roughness of a surface, helping the adhesion of plaster or other material.
   • 7. the keyhole-shaped area marked on the court near each basket: "he hit another jumper from the top of the 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"
   • 3. roughen (a surface) to help the adhesion of plaster or other material: "a wooden float with nails driven through it is used to key the wall surface between coats"
   • 4. word (an advertisement in a periodical), typically by varying the form of the address given, so as to identify the publication generating particular responses: "one keys advertisements and measures returns"
   • 5. vandalize (a car) by scraping its paint with a key. informal
   • 6. be the crucial factor in achieving: informal North American "Ewing keyed a 73–35 advantage on the boards with twenty rebounds"

   Word Origin Old Englishcǣg, cǣge, of unknown origin.

   Derivatives

   • 1. keyer noun
   • 2. keyless adjective

   Scrabble Points: 10

   • K

     5

   • E

     1

   • Y

     4

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishKEY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   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.

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › keyKey Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › key

   • Cached

   : 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.

4. www.dictionary.com › browse › keyKEY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › key

   • Cached

   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.

5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishKEY definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   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.

6. www.thefreedictionary.com › keyKey - definition of key by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › key

   • Cached

   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.

7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishkey noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes |...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

   • Cached

   Definition of key noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

8. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › keyKey - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › key

   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.

9. www.yourdictionary.com › keyKey Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

   www.yourdictionary.com › key

   • Cached

   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.

10. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishKEY | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

    dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

    • Cached

    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.

11. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › keykey | meaning of key in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary...

    www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › key

    • Cached

    key meaning, definition, what is key: a small specially shaped piece of metal ...: Learn more.