Definition of key

noun (n)

• metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated (noun.artifact)

  source: wordnet30
• something crucial for explaining (noun.cognition)

  Example:
  The key to development is economic integration.
  

  source: wordnet30
• pitch of the voice (noun.attribute)

  Example:
  He spoke in a low key.
  

  source: wordnet30
• any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music (noun.communication)

  Synonym: tonality
  Antonym: atonalism, atonality
  

  source: wordnet30
• a kilogram of a narcotic drug (noun.quantity)

  Example:
  They were carrying two keys of heroin.
  

  source: wordnet30
• a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple (noun.plant)

  Synonym: key fruit, samara
  

  source: wordnet30
• 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) (noun.person)

  Synonym: francis scott key
  

  source: wordnet30
• a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida (noun.object)

  Synonym: cay, florida key
  

  source: wordnet30
• (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 (noun.location)

  Synonym: paint
  

  Example:
  He hit a jump shot from the top of the key.
  

  source: wordnet30
• a list of answers to a test (noun.communication)

  Example:
  Some students had stolen the key to the final exam.
  

  source: wordnet30
• a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations (noun.communication)

  source: wordnet30
• a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access (noun.communication)

  Example:
  A safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it.
  

  source: wordnet30
• mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) (noun.artifact)

  Synonym: winder
  

  source: wordnet30
• the central building block at the top of an arch or vault (noun.artifact)

  Synonym: headstone, keystone
  

  source: wordnet30
• a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed (noun.artifact)

  source: wordnet30
• An instrument by means of which the bolt of a lock is shot or drawn; usually, a removable metal instrument fitted to the mechanism of a particular lock and operated by turning in its place. (noun)

  source: webster1913
• A metallic lever by which the circuit of the sending or transmitting part of a station equipment may be easily and rapidly opened and closed; any device for closing or opening an electric circuit. (noun)

  source: webster1913
• A simplified version or analysis which accompanies something as a clue to its explanation, a book or table containing the solutions to problems, ciphers, allegories, or the like, or a table or synopsis of conspicuous distinguishing characters of members of a taxonomic group. (noun)

  source: webster1913

adjective satellite (s)

• serving as an essential component (adj.all)

  Synonym: cardinal, central, fundamental, primal
  

  source: wordnet30

verb (v)

• identify as in botany or biology, for example (verb.cognition)

  Synonym: describe, discover, distinguish, identify, key out, name
  

  source: wordnet30
• provide with a key (verb.possession)

  Example:
  We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building.
  

  source: wordnet30
• vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key (verb.contact)

  Example:
  His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot.
  

  source: wordnet30
• regulate the musical pitch of (verb.change)

  source: wordnet30
• harmonize with or adjust to (verb.change)

  Example:
  Key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude.
  

  source: wordnet30
• To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. (verb)

  source: webster1913

Visual Synonyms (Thesaurus)

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