Adjacent Words

Key definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

KEY, n. ke. In a general sense, a fastener; that which fastens; as a piece of wood in the frame of a building, or in a chain, etc.
1. An instrument for shutting or opening a lock, by pushing the bolt one way or the other. Keys are of various forms, and fitted to the wards of the locks to which they belong.
2. An instrument by which something is screwed or turned; as the key of a watch or other chronometer.
3. The stone which binds an arch. [See Key-stone.]
4. In an organ or harpsichord, the key, or finger key is a little lever or piece in the fore part by which the instrument is played on by the fingers.
5. In music, the key, or key note, is the fundamental note or tone, to which the whole piece is accommodated, and with which it usually begins and always ends. There are two keys, one of the major, and one of the minor mode. Key sometimes signifies a scale or system of intervals.
6. An index, or that which serves to explain a cypher. Hence,
7. That which serves to explain any thing difficult to be understood.
8. In the Romish church, ecclesiastical jurisdiction, or the power of the pope, or the power of excommunicating or absolving.
9. A ledge or lay of ricks near the surface of the water.
10. The husk containing the seed of an ash.
KEY, n. A bank or wharf built on the side of a river or harbor, for the convenience of loading and unloading ships, and securing them in their stations. Hence keys are furnished with posts, rings, cranes, capstans, etc. It is sometimes written quay.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

adj
1: serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure" [syn: cardinal, central, fundamental, key, primal] n
1: metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
2: something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration"
3: pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"
4: any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music [syn: key, tonality] [ant: atonalism, atonality]
5: a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin"
6: a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple [syn: samara, key fruit, key]
7: 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) [syn: Key, Francis Scott Key]
8: a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida [syn: key, cay, Florida key]
9: (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"; "he dominates play in the paint" [syn: key, paint]
10: a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
11: a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
12: 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"
13: mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) [syn: winder, key]
14: the central building block at the top of an arch or vault [syn: keystone, key, headstone]
15: a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed v
1: identify as in botany or biology, for example [syn: identify, discover, key, key out, distinguish, describe, name]
2: provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
3: vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
4: regulate the musical pitch of
5: harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

Merriam Webster's

biographical name Francis Scott 1779-1843 American lawyer & author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Merriam Webster's

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English c?g; akin to Old Frisian k?i key Date: before 12th century 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 adjective • keyless adjective II. verb Date: 14th century 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 <was keyed up over her impending operation> 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 III. adjective Date: 1913 important, fundamental <key issues> IV. noun Etymology: Spanish cayo, from Taino Date: 1697 a low island or reef; specifically any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida V. noun Etymology: by shortening & alteration from kilo Date: 1968 slang a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin

Oxford Reference Dictionary

1. n. & v. --n. (pl. keys) 1 an instrument, usu. of metal, for moving the bolt of a lock forwards or backwards to lock or unlock. 2 a similar implement for operating a switch in the form of a lock. 3 an instrument for grasping screws, pegs, nuts, etc., esp. one for winding a clock etc. 4 a lever depressed by the finger in playing the organ, piano, flute, concertina, etc. 5 (often in pl.) each of several buttons for operating a typewriter, word processor, or computer terminal, etc. 6 what gives or precludes the opportunity for or access to something. 7 (attrib.) essential; of vital importance (the key element in the problem). 8 a place that by its position gives control of a sea, territory, etc. 9 a a solution or explanation. b a word or system for solving a cipher or code. c an explanatory list of symbols used in a map, table, etc. d a book of solutions to mathematical problems etc. e a literal translation of a book written in a foreign language. f the first move in a chess-problem solution. 10 Mus. a system of notes definitely related to each other, based on a particular note, and predominating in a piece of music (a study in the key of C major). 11 a tone or style of thought or expression. 12 a piece of wood or metal inserted between others to secure them. 13 the part of a first coat of wall plaster that passes between the laths and so secures the rest. 14 the roughness of a surface, helping the adhesion of plaster etc. 15 the samara of a sycamore etc. 16 a mechanical device for making or breaking an electric circuit, e.g. in telegraphy. --v.tr. (keys, keyed) 1 (foll. by in, on, etc.) fasten with a pin, wedge, bolt, etc. 2 (often foll. by in) enter (data) by means of a keyboard. 3 roughen (a surface) to help the adhesion of plaster etc. 4 (foll. by to) align or link (one thing to another). 5 regulate the pitch of the strings of (a violin etc.). 6 word (an advertisement in a particular periodical) so that answers to it can be identified (usu. by varying the form of address given). Phrases and idioms: key industry an industry essential to the carrying on of others, e.g. coal-mining, dyeing. key map a map in bare outline, to simplify the use of a full map. key money Brit. a payment demanded from an incoming tenant for the provision of a key to the premises. key-ring a ring for keeping keys on. key signature Mus. any of several combinations of sharps or flats after the clef at the beginning of each staff indicating the key of a composition. key up (often foll. by to, or to + infin.) make (a person) nervous or tense; excite. Derivatives: keyer n. keyless adj. Etymology: OE cæg, of unkn. orig. 2. n. a low-lying island or reef, esp. in the W. Indies (cf. CAY). Etymology: Sp. cayo shoal, reef, infl. by QUAY

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Key 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. 2. An instrument which is turned like a key in fastening or adjusting any mechanism; as, a watch key; a bed key, etc. 3. That part of an instrument or machine which serves as the means of operating it; as, a telegraph key; the keys of a pianoforte, or of a typewriter. 4. A position or condition which affords entrance, control, pr possession, etc.; as, the key of a line of defense; the key of a country; the key of a political situation. Hence, that which serves to unlock, open, discover, or solve something unknown or difficult; as, the key to a riddle; the key to a problem. Those who are accustomed to reason have got the true key of books. --Locke. Who keeps the keys of all the creeds. --Tennyson. 5. That part of a mechanism which serves to lock up, make fast, or adjust to position. 6. (Arch.) (a) A piece of wood used as a wedge. (b) The last board of a floor when laid down. 7. (Masonry) (a) A keystone. (b) That part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and holds the rest in place. 8. (Mach.) (a) A wedge to unite two or more pieces, or adjust their relative position; a cotter; a forelock. See Illusts. of Cotter, and Gib. (b) A bar, pin or wedge, to secure a crank, pulley, coupling, etc., upon a shaft, and prevent relative turning; sometimes holding by friction alone, but more frequently by its resistance to shearing, being usually embedded partly in the shaft and partly in the crank, pulley, etc. 9. (Bot.) An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, as the fruit of the ash and maple; a samara; -- called also key fruit. 10. (Mus.) (a) A family of tones whose regular members are called diatonic tones, and named key tone (or tonic) or one (or eight), mediant or three, dominant or five, subdominant or four, submediant or six, supertonic or two, and subtonic or seven. Chromatic tones are temporary members of a key, under such names as `` sharp four,'' ``flat seven,'' etc. Scales and tunes of every variety are made from the tones of a key. (b) The fundamental tone of a movement to which its modulations are referred, and with which it generally begins and ends; keynote. Both warbling of one song, both in one key. --Shak. 11. Fig: The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance. You fall at once into a lower key. --Cowper. Key bed. Same as Key seat. Key bolt, a bolt which has a mortise near the end, and is secured by a cotter or wedge instead of a nut. Key bugle. See Kent bugle. Key of a position or country. (Mil.) See Key, 4. Key seat (Mach.), a bed or groove to receive a key which prevents one part from turning on the other. Key way, a channel for a key, in the hole of a piece which is keyed to a shaft; an internal key seat; -- called also key seat. Key wrench (Mach.), an adjustable wrench in which the movable jaw is made fast by a key. Power of the keys (Eccl.), the authority claimed by the ministry in some Christian churches to administer the discipline of the church, and to grant or withhold its privileges; -- so called from the declaration of Christ, ``I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.'' --Matt. xvi. 19.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Key Key, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Keved; p. pr. & vb. n. Keying.] To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. --Francis. To key up. (a) (Arch.) To raise (the whole ring of an arch) off its centering, by driving in the keystone forcibly. (b) (Mus.) To raise the pitch of. (c) Hence, fig., to produce nervous tension in.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Key Key, n. 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.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Key Key, n. (Teleg.) 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.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Space bar Space bar or key key (Mach.) A bar or key, in a typewriter or typesetting machine, used for spacing between letters.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Quay Quay, n. [F. quai. See Key quay.] A mole, bank, or wharf, formed toward the sea, or at the side of a harbor, river, or other navigable water, for convenience in loading and unloading vessels. [Written also key.]

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Cotter Cot"ter (k[o^]t"t[~e]r), n. 1. A piece of wood or metal, commonly wedge-shaped, used for fastening together parts of a machine or structure. It is driven into an opening through one or all of the parts. Note: [See Illust.] In the United States a cotter is commonly called a key. 2. A toggle.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(keys, keying, keyed) Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English. 1. A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle. They put the key in the door and entered... N-COUNT 2. The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it. N-COUNT: usu pl 3. The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it. N-COUNT: usu pl 4. In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note. ...the key of A minor. N-VAR 5. The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings. You will find a key at the front of the book. N-COUNT 6. The key person or thing in a group is the most important one. He is expected to be the key witness at the trial... ADJ: ADJ n 7. The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved. The key to success is to be ready from the start... N-COUNT: usu N to n 8. see also master key

Easton's Bible Dictionary

frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew _maphteah_, i.e., the opener (Judg. 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament _kleis_, from its use in shutting (Matt. 16:19; Luke 11:52; Rev. 1:18, etc.). Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size (comp. Isa. 22:22).

The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isa. 22:22; Rev. 3:7; Rev. 1:8; comp. 9:1; 20:1; comp. also Matt. 16:19; 18:18). The "key of knowledge" (Luke 11:52; comp. Matt. 23:13) is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. The "power of the keys" is a phrase in general use to denote the extent of ecclesiastical authority.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ke (maphteach, an "opener"; compare kleis, "that which shuts"): Made of wood, usually with nails which fitted into corresponding holes in the lock, or rather bolt (Jud 3:25). Same is rendered "opening" in 1Ch 9:27.

See HOUSE.

Figurative: Used figuratively for power, since the key was sometimes worn on the shoulder as a sign of official authority (Isa 22-22). In the New Testament it is used several times thus figuratively: of Peter: "the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 16:19); of Christ, in Revelation, having the "keys of death and of Hades" (Re 1:18), also having "the key of David" (Re 3:7). An angel was given "the key of the pit of the abyss" (Re 9:1; 20:1). our Lord accused the teachers of the law of His day of taking away "the key of knowledge" from men, that is, locking the doors of truth against them (Lu 11:52; compare Mt 23:13).

Edward Bagby Pollard

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

n. 1. Lock opener. 2. Clew, guide, explanation, solution, elucidation, clavis. 3. Tonic, key-note, fundamental note, first note of the scale. 4. Wedge, clamp. 5. (Mus.) Lever (in an instrument).

Moby Thesaurus

French pitch, Rasputin, Svengali, TelAutography, Teletype, Teletype network, Teletyping, VIP, access, accommodate, accord, achromatism, adapt, adjust, adjust to, aerophone, ait, amplification, archipelago, assimilate, atoll, attune, axial, bad influence, bang, bar, barricade, batten, batten down, bell, big wheel, bilingual text, bolt, bottle opener, button, button up, can opener, cast, catchword, cay, centermost, central, centralized, centric, centroidal, centrosymmetric, choke, choke off, chromatism, chromism, church key, clap, clarification, classical pitch, clavis, close, close up, closed-circuit telegraphy, clue, code, color, color balance, color harmony, color scheme, coloration, coloring, complexion, concentrated, constrict, contain, continental island, contract, coordinate, coral head, coral island, coral reef, corkscrew, court, cover, crib, critical, crucial, cue, cue word, cut to, decipherment, decoding, decorator color, depth, description, dominant, double reed, duplex telegraphy, electricity, embouchure, eminence grise, equalize, essential, evidence, explanation, explication, facsimile telegraph, faithful translation, fasten, fit, five-percenter, fix, fold, fold up, free translation, frequency, friend at court, gear to, geocentric, gloss, glossary, good influence, gray eminence, guide, harmonize, heavyweight, height, hidden hand, high pitch, hint, holm, homologate, homologize, horn, hot lead, hue, humor, important, indication, indicator, influence, influence peddler, influencer, ingroup, insularity, interlinear, interlinear translation, interrupter, intimation, island, island group, islandology, isle, islet, key signature, key to, key word, keynote, kingmaker, latch, latchkey, latchstring, lead, legend, level, lip, lobby, lobbyist, lock, lock out, lock up, loose translation, lords of creation, low pitch, main, major, major key, make plumb, make uniform, man of influence, manipulator, master key, measure, mediant, metaphrase, middle, middlemost, midmost, minor, mood, mouthpiece, multiplex telegraphy, natural color, necessary, new philharmonic pitch, news ticker, note, occlude, oceanic island, omphalic, open sesame, opener, padlock, pallor, paraphrase, passkey, password, pedal point, philharmonic pitch, philosophical pitch, pipe, pitch, pivotal, plumb, pony, powers that be, pressure group, proportion, put in tune, quadruplex telegraphy, railroad telegraphy, receiver, reconcile, rectify, reed, reef, register, regulate, restatement, rewording, right, sandbank, sandbar, scent, seal, seal off, seal up, secure, sender, set, set right, shade, shut, shut the door, shut up, similarize, simplex telegraphy, single-current telegraphy, sinister influence, skeleton key, skin color, slam, slide, snap, sounder, special interests, special-interest group, spoor, squeeze shut, standard pitch, stock ticker, strangle, style, subdominant, submarine telegraphy, submediant, subtonic, suggestion, supertonic, sync, synchronize, tailor, telegraphics, telegraphy, teleprinter, teletypewriter, teletypewriting, telex, telltale, tenor, the Establishment, ticker, ticket, timbre, tin opener, tinct, tincture, tinge, tint, tip-off, tonality, tone, tonic, tonic key, tooter, trace, transcription, translation, transliteration, transmitter, trim to, trot, true, true up, tune, typotelegraph, typotelegraphy, umbilical, undercolor, valve, very important person, vestige, vital, wheeler-dealer, whiff, wind, wind instrument, wire service, wire-puller, zip up, zipper