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.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.