Key - definition, pronunciation, transcription

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Amer.  |kiː|  American pronunciation of the word key
Brit.  |kiː|  British pronunciation of the word key

noun

- metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
- something crucial for explaining
the key to development is economic integration
- pitch of the voice
he spoke in a low key
- any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music (syn: tonality)
- a kilogram of a narcotic drug
they were carrying two keys of heroin
- a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple (syn: samara)
- United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843)
- a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida (syn: cay)
- (basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court (syn: paint)
he hit a jump shot from the top of the key
- a list of answers to a test
some students had stolen the key to the final exam
- a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
- a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access
a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it
- mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) (syn: winder)
- the central building block at the top of an arch or vault (syn: headstone, keystone)
- a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

verb

- identify as in botany or biology, for example (syn: describe, discover, distinguish, identify, name)
- provide with a key
We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building
- vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot
- regulate the musical pitch of
- harmonize with or adjust to
key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude

adjective

- serving as an essential component (syn: cardinal, central, fundamental, primal)

Extra examples

The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist.

...her response was perfectly keyed to the situation...

He's a key player in the organization.

The key question is “Can we afford it?”.

Underline key words and phrases as you read.

Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.

Her story gave the key to the mystery.

We tried to key the program to a younger audience.

Lean young skyscrapers key in with Rome's general virtuosity.

When I ventured onto the Internet, how to key my ads was something of a mystery.

China's support is key to the success of the coalition.

The President makes all the key decisions on foreign policy.

The show has been hit by the departure of key personnel.

I lost my house keys.

A bunch of keys hung from his belt.

Word forms

verb
I/you/we/they: key
he/she/it: keys
present participle: keying
past tense: keyed
past participle: keyed
noun
singular: key
plural: keys
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