key
key Lexical Profile
key Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it.
"She fumbled in her purse to find the key to her front door."
A concept, fact, or thing that provides a means of gaining access to, understanding, or achieving something.
"Effective communication is often the key to a successful relationship."
A system of musical tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale, dictating the tonal center of a piece of music.
"The orchestra rehearsed the symphony in the key of C minor."
• verb
To enter or operate on data by means of a computer keyboard or telephone keypad.
"Please key in your secure password to access the financial database."
To maliciously scratch the paintwork of a car using a metal key.
"He was furious when he returned to the parking lot and discovered someone had keyed his new vehicle."
To adjust or adapt something to a particular state, level, or requirement.
"The curriculum is specifically keyed to the needs of advanced learners."
• Rhymes for key
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'cǣg' (metal instrument for opening locks), of unknown origin. It has no certain cognates outside of English and Old Frisian.