key

key
Ⅰ.
key [1] NOUN (pl. keys) 1) a small piece of shaped metal which is inserted into a lock and rotated to open or close it. 2) an instrument for grasping and turning a screw, peg, or nut. 3) a lever depressed by the finger in playing an instrument such as the organ, piano, or flute. 4) each of several buttons on a panel for operating a typewriter or computer terminal. 5) a lever operating a mechanical device for making or breaking an electric circuit. 6) a thing providing access or understanding: a key to success. 7) an explanatory list of symbols used in a map or table. 8) a word or system for solving a cipher or code. 9) Music a group of notes based on a particular note and comprising a scale. 10) roughness on a surface, provided to assist adhesion of plaster or other material. 11) the dry winged fruit of an ash, maple, or sycamore.
ADJECTIVE of crucial importance: a key figure.
VERB (keys, keyed) 1) enter or operate on (data) by means of a computer keyboard. 2) (be keyed up) be nervous, tense, or excited. 3) (key into/in with) be connected or in harmony with.
DERIVATIVES keyed adjective.
ORIGIN Old English.
Ⅱ.
key [2] NOUN a low-lying island or reef, especially in the Caribbean.
ORIGIN Spanish cayo 'reef' .

English terms dictionary. 2015.

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  • Key — (k[=e]), n. [OE. keye, key, kay, AS. c[ae]g.] 1. 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. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • KEY — ist das englische Wort für Schlüssel, und damit Bestandteil von Anglizismen: Key Account Key Account Manager etc. Key steht im Sinne von Cay für eine kleine flache Insel: insbesondere die Florida Keys, Inselkette im US Bundesstaat Florida, USA:… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Key — may refer to: Building* Key, Carpentry: timber or metal wedges used across or between two or more members to act as a tightening agent. * Key, Painting: to rough the surface of previous coats of paint to allow a secure bond for the next or top… …   Wikipedia

  • Key — ist das englische Wort für Schlüssel, und damit Bestandteil von Anglizismen: Key Account Key Account Manager etc. Key steht im Sinne von Cay für eine kleine flache Insel: insbesondere die Florida Keys, Inselkette im US Bundesstaat Florida, USA:… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • KeY — is a formal software development tool that aims to integrate design, implementation, formal specification, and formal verification of object oriented software. It supports programs written in Java (more precisely: in a superset of Java Card) and… …   Wikipedia

  • Key — Key, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Keved}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Keying}.] 1. To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. Francis. [1913 Webster] 2. (Computers) To enter (text, data) using keys, especially those on a keyboard; to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • key — adj: of vital importance (as in a business organization) esp. so as to be specially insured to the benefit of an employer key man key employee insurance Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996 …   Law dictionary

  • key — key, a. Essential; most important; as, the key fact in the inquiry; the president was the key player inthe negotiations. [PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • KEY — Cette page d’homonymie répertorie les différents sujets et articles partageant un même nom. Key, clef en anglais, peut faire référence à : Key, une société publiant des Eroge, Keys peut faire référence à : Les Keys, un archipel en… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Key [1] — Key 1)Großer K., Fluß im südöstlichen Afrika, bildet die nördliche Grenze von Britisch Kaffraria gegen das unabhängige Kaffernland u. entsteht aus dem Schwarzen u. Weißen K., welche theilweise von den Strombergen, theilweise von dem Nordabhange… …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Key [2] — Key, deutscher Vorname, so v.w. Cajus …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

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