Definitions of KEY in various dictionaries:
noun -
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
noun -
something crucial for explaining
noun -
pitch of the voice
noun -
any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
noun -
a kilogram of a narcotic drug
noun -
a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
noun -
United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812
noun -
a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
noun -
(basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court
noun -
a list of answers to a test
noun -
a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
noun -
a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access
noun -
mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
noun -
the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
noun -
a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
verb -
identify as in botany or biology, for example
verb -
provide with a key
verb -
vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
verb -
regulate the musical pitch of
verb -
harmonize with or adj ust to
adj -
serving as an essential component
A notched and grooved, usually metal implement that is turned to open or close a lock.
A similar device used for opening or winding: the key of a clock; a can that has a key attached.
A means of access, control, or possession.
A vital, crucial element.
A set of answers to a test.
A table, gloss, or cipher for decoding or interpreting.
A device, such as a wedge or pin, inserted to lock together mechanical or structural parts.
The keystone in the crown of an arch.
A button or lever that is pressed with the finger to operate a machine.
A button or lever that is pressed with the finger to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a clarinet or piano.
Music.
A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being since the Renaissance the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.
The principal tonality of a work: an etude in the key of E.
The pitch of a voice or other sound.
A characteristic tone or level of intensity, as of a speech or sales campaign.
Botany.
An outline of the distinguishing characteristics of a group of organisms, used as a guide in taxonomic identification.
An area at each end of the court between the base line and the foul line and including the jump-ball circle at the foul line: a jump shot from the top of the key.
To lock with or as if with a key.
To furnish (an arch) with a keystone.
To regulate the pitch of.
To bring into harmony; adj ust or adapt.
To supply an explanatory key for.
To operate (a device), as for typesetting by means of a keyboard.
To enter (data) into a computer by means of a keyboard.
To identify (a biological specimen).
A kilogram of marijuana, cocaine, or heroin.
verb - to provide with a key (a device used to turn the bolt in a lock)