First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1key
noun \ˈkē\
Definition of KEY
1
a : a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned b : any of various devices having the form or function of such a key
2
a : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control b : an instrumental or deciding factor
3
a : something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution <the key to a riddle> b : a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations c : an aid to interpretation or identification : clue d : an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification e : a map legend
4
a (1) : cotter pin (2) : cotter b : a keystone in an arch c : a small piece of wood or metal used as a wedge or for preventing motion between parts
5
a : one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tones b : a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument c : a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard
6
: samara
7
: a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic <the key of G major>
8
a : characteristic style or tone b : the tone or pitch of a voice c : the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness
9
: a decoration or charm resembling a key
10
: a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit <a telegraph key>
11
: the set of instructions governing the encipherment and decipherment of messages
12
: a free-throw area in basketball
— keyed \ˈkēd\ adjective
— key·less \ˈkē-ləs\ adjective
Origin of KEY
Middle English, from Old English cǣg; akin to OldFrisian kēi key
Other Cartography Terms
Rhymes with KEY
b, be, bee, c, cay, cee, Cree, d, dee, Dee, dree, e, fee, flea, flee, free, g, gee, ghee, glee, gree, he, Key, knee, lea, lee, me, mi, p, pea, pee, plea, pree, quay, re, Rhee, scree, sea, see, she, si, ski, spree, sri, t, tea, tee, the, thee, three, ti, tree, twee, Twi, v, vee, we, wee, whee, ye, z, zee
2key
verb
: to enter (information) by using the keys of a computer, typewriter, etc.
: to have the most important part in (something)
Full Definition of KEY
transitive verb
1
: to lock with or as if with a key : fasten: as a : to secure (as a pulley on a shaft) by a key b : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone
2
: to regulate the musical pitch of
3
: to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune <remarks keyed to a situation>
4
: to identify (a biological specimen) by a key
5
: to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references <instructions keyed to accompanying drawings — John Gartner>
6
: to make nervous, tense, or excited —usually used with up
7
: keyboard —often used with in
8
: to be essential to : play the most important part in <defense keyed the victory>
intransitive verb
1
: to use a key
2
: to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play —usually used with on
3
: keyboard
See key defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KEY
14th century
Related to KEY
- Synonyms
- accommodate, attune, conciliate, conform, coordinate, harmonize, reconcile
- Antonyms
- disharmonize
3key
adjective
: extremely important
Full Definition of KEY
: important, fundamental <key issues>
See key defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KEY
1913
Related to KEY
- Synonyms
- arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, foremost, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
4key
noun
Definition of KEY
: a low island or reef; specifically : any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida
Origin of KEY
Spanish cayo, from Taino
First Known Use: 1697
Other Geology Terms
5key
noun
Definition of KEY
slang : a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin
Origin of KEY
by shortening & alteration from kilo
First Known Use: 1968
Other Drug/Tobacco Terms
Key
biographical name \ˈkē\
Definition of KEY
Francis Scott 1779–1843 Am. lawyer & author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Key
biographical name
Definition of KEY
John (Phillip) 1961– prime min. of New Zealand (2008– )
KEY Defined for Kids
1key
noun \ˈkē\
Definition of KEY for Kids
1
: an instrument by which the bolt of a lock (as on a door) is turned or by which an engine is started
2
: a device having the form or function of a key <Can you wind the clock with the key?>
3
: the thing that is necessary or most important in doing something <To learn a skill, practice is the key.>
4
: something (as a map legend) that gives an explanation : solution
5
: one of the levers with a flat surface that is pressed with a finger to activate a mechanism of a machine or instrument <computer keys>
6
: a system of seven musical tones arranged in relation to a keynote from which the system is named <the key of C>
2key
verb
keyedkey·ing
Definition of KEY for Kids
1
: to regulate the musical pitch of
2
: to bring into harmony
3
: to record or enter by operating the keys of a machine <The cashier keyed in the price.>
3key
adjective
Definition of KEY for Kids
: of great importance : most important <She is one of our key players.>
4key
noun
Definition of KEY for Kids
: a low island or reef <the Florida Keys>
Learn More About KEY
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