key

Definitions of key in various dictionaries:

noun - metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

noun - something crucial for explaining

noun - pitch of the voice

noun - any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

noun - a kilogram of a narcotic drug

noun - a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

noun - United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812

noun - a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

noun - (basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court

noun - a list of answers to a test

noun - a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

noun - a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access

noun - mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

noun - the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

noun - a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

verb - identify as in botany or biology, for example

verb - provide with a key

verb - vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key

verb - regulate the musical pitch of

verb - harmonize with or adj ust to

adj - serving as an essential component

A notched and grooved, usually metal implement that is turned to open or close a lock.

A similar device used for opening or winding: the key of a clock; a can that has a key attached.

A means of access, control, or possession.

A vital, crucial element.

A set of answers to a test.

A table, gloss, or cipher for decoding or interpreting.

A device, such as a wedge or pin, inserted to lock together mechanical or structural parts.

The keystone in the crown of an arch.

A button or lever that is pressed with the finger to operate a machine.

A button or lever that is pressed with the finger to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a clarinet or piano.

Music.

A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being since the Renaissance the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.

The principal tonality of a work: an etude in the key of E.

The pitch of a voice or other sound.

A characteristic tone or level of intensity, as of a speech or sales campaign.

Botany.

An outline of the distinguishing characteristics of a group of organisms, used as a guide in taxonomic identification.

An area at each end of the court between the base line and the foul line and including the jump-ball circle at the foul line: a jump shot from the top of the key.

To lock with or as if with a key.

To furnish (an arch) with a keystone.

To regulate the pitch of.

To bring into harmony; adj ust or adapt.

To supply an explanatory key for.

To operate (a device), as for typesetting by means of a keyboard.

To enter (data) into a computer by means of a keyboard.

To identify (a biological specimen).

A kilogram of marijuana, cocaine, or heroin.

verb - to provide with a key (a device used to turn the bolt in a lock)