What does key mean?

Looking for the meaning or definition of the word key? Here's what it means.

Noun An object designed to open and close a lock. An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. A crucial step or requirement. A guide explaining the symbols or terminology of a map or chart; a legend. A guide to the correct answers of a worksheet or test. (computing) One of several small, usually square buttons on a typewriter or computer keyboard, mostly corresponding to text characters. (music) One of a number of rectangular moving parts on a piano or musical keyboard, each causing a particular sound or note to be produced. (music) One of various levers on a musical instrument used to select notes, such as a lever opening a hole on a woodwind. (music) A hierarchical scale of musical notes on which a composition is based. (figuratively) The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance. (botany) An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, such as the fruit of the ash and maple; a samara. (historical) A manual electrical switching device primarily used for the transmission of Morse code. (cryptography) A piece of information (e.g. a passphrase) used to encode or decode a message or messages. (Internet) A password restricting access to an IRC channel. (databases) In a relational database, a field used as an index into another table (not necessarily unique). (computing) A value that uniquely identifies an entry in a container. (basketball) The free-throw lane together with the circle surrounding the free-throw line, the free-throw lane having formerly been narrower, giving the area the shape of a skeleton key hole. (biology) A series of logically organized groups of discriminating information which aims to allow the user to correctly identify a taxon. (architecture) A piece of wood used as a wedge. (architecture) The last board of a floor when laid down. (masonry) A keystone. That part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and holds the rest in place. (rail transport) A wooden support for a rail on the bullhead rail system. (heraldry) The object used to open or close a lock, often used as a heraldic charge. The degree of roughness, or retention ability of a surface to have applied a liquid such as paint, or glue. (cartomancy) The thirty-third card of the Lenormand deck. Adjective Indispensable, supremely important. Important, salient. Verb To fit (a lock) with a key. To fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key to maintain the orientation between them. To mark or indicate with a symbol indicating membership in a class. (telegraphy) To depress (a telegraph key). (radio) To operate (the transmitter switch of a two-way radio). (computing) (more usually to key in) To enter (information) by typing on a keyboard or keypad. (colloquial) To vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key. To link (as one might do with a key or legend). (biology) To be identified as a certain taxon when using a key. To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. Noun One of a string of small islands. Noun Alternative form of quay Noun (slang) Clipping of kilogram. (though this is more commonly shortened to kay) Find more words! 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What is the opposite of key? Sentences with the word key Words that rhyme with key What is the past tense of key? What is the plural of key? What is the adjective for key? What is the noun for key? Translations for key Nearby Definitions kexes kex kewra kewpies kewpie dolls kewpie doll Key keyable keyage keyaki keyakis keybed 3-letter Words Starting With k ke