key
adjective
1. serving as an essential component
Similar word(s): important, cardinal, central, fundamental, primal
Sentences with key as an adjective:
- He is the key player on his soccer team.
- She makes several key points.
noun
1. metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
Definition categories: man–made, device
2. something crucial for explaining
- the key to development is economic integration
Definition categories: thought, explanation
3. pitch of the voice
- he spoke in a low key
Definition categories: attribute, pitch
4. any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
Similar word(s): tonality
Definition categories: communication
5. a kilogram of a narcotic drug
- they were carrying two keys of heroin
Definition categories: quantity, kilo, kilogram
6. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
Similar word(s): samara
Definition categories: plant, achene
7. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
Similar word(s): cay
Definition categories: object
8. (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
- he hit a jump shot from the top of the key
Similar word(s): paint
Definition categories: location, space
9. a list of answers to a test
- some students had stolen the key to the final exam
Definition categories: communication, list, listing
10. a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
Definition categories: communication, list, listing
11. 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
Definition categories: communication
12. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
Similar word(s): winder
Definition categories: man–made
13. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
Similar word(s): headstone, keystone
Definition categories: man–made
14. a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
Definition categories: man–made, lever
Sentences with key as a noun:
- The key to solving this problem is persistence.
- the key to winning a game
- The key says that A stands for the accounting department.
- Some students cheated by using the answer key.
- Press the Escape key.
- the key of B-flat major
- He shoots from the top of the key.
- The coat of arms of Regensburg is gules two keys in saltire argent.
- The door panel should be sanded down carefully to provide a good key for the new paint.
- "the Florida Keys"
verb
1. identify as in botany or biology, for example
Similar word(s): describe, discover, distinguish, identify, name
Definition categories: cognition
2. provide with a key
- We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building
Definition categories: possession, furnish, provide, render, supply
3. vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
- His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot
Definition categories: contact, vandalise, vandalize
4. regulate the musical pitch of
Definition categories: change, chord, harmonise, harmonize
5. harmonize with or adjust to
- key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude
Definition categories: change, harmonise, harmonize, reconcile
Sentences with key as a verb:
- Our instructor told us to key in our user IDs.
- He keyed the car that had taken his parking spot.