Inside the Universes

Words with a similar base: Florida_key, key, key_fruit, key_out, keystone

'key'

[key.n.01] as in: metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

'key'

[key.n.02] as in: something crucial for explaining

Examples:
the key to development is economic integration

'key'

[key.n.03] as in: pitch of the voice

Examples:
he spoke in a low key

'key'

[key.n.04] as in: any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

'key'

[key.n.05] as in: a kilogram of a narcotic drug

Examples:
they were carrying two keys of heroin

'key'

[samara.n.01] as in: a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

'key'

[key.n.07] as in: 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)

'key'

[key.n.08] as in: a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

'key'

[key.n.09] as in: (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

Examples:
he hit a jump shot from the top of the key
he dominates play in the paint

'key'

[key.n.10] as in: a list of answers to a test

Examples:
some students had stolen the key to the final exam

'key'

[key.n.11] as in: a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

'key'

[key.n.12] as in: a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access

Examples:
a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it

'key'

[winder.n.02] as in: mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

'key'

[keystone.n.02] as in: the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

'key'

[key.n.15] as in: a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

'key'

[identify.v.05] as in: identify as in botany or biology, for example

'key'

[key.v.02] as in: provide with a key

Examples:
We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building

'key'

[key.v.03] as in: vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key

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

'key'

[key.v.04] as in: regulate the musical pitch of

'key'

[key.v.05] as in: harmonize with or adjust to

Examples:
key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude

'key'

[cardinal.s.01] as in: serving as an essential component

Examples:
a cardinal rule
the central cause of the problem
an example that was fundamental to the argument
computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure

Origins

					key (English)
└── keye (Middle English (1100-1500))