Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
adj
Indispensable, supremely important.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable, usually
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
adj
Important, salient.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable, usually
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
name
A surname.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed).
A card or fob that electronically signals a lock to open.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Synonyms: key fob, keycard
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed).
A piece of information (e.g., a password or passphrase) used to encode or decode a message or messages.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively
Topics: computing, cryptography, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed).
A password restricting access to an IRC channel.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Internet, countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed).
Any of various tools comparable to a wrench (spanner) or driver, which have a specialized end that matches a fixture, analogously to a lock's key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
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 cotter pin.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: machinery
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: part, component
noun
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 piece of wood used as a wedge.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: architecture
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: part, component
noun
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation.
The last board of a floor when laid down.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: architecture
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: part, component
noun
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 keystone.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: business, construction, manufacturing, masonry
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: part, component
noun
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation.
That part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and that holds the rest in place.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: part, component
noun
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 wooden wedge, driven sideways between a bullhead rail and a cast-iron chair, to keep the rail securely in position.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: rail-transport, railways, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: part, component
noun
A crucial step or requirement.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A crucial step or requirement.
An idea, theory or observation that explains, justifies or renders (something) comprehensible.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, figuratively
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A crucial step or requirement.
A deciding factor.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information.
A small guide explaining symbols, abbreviations or terminology, especially the legend on a map or chart.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information.
A guide to the correct answers of a worksheet or test.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: answer key
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information.
A series of logically organized groups of discriminating information which aims to allow the user to correctly identify a taxon; a taxonomic key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: biology, natural-sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information.
A value that uniquely identifies an entry in a container.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information.
In a relational database, a field used as an index into another table (not necessarily unique).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: computing, databases, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a set of features that modify the output of a device.
One of several small, usually square buttons on a typewriter or computer keyboard, mostly corresponding to text characters.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a set of features that modify the output of a device.
In musical instruments, one of the valve levers used to select notes, such as a lever opening a hole on a woodwind.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses relating to a set of features that modify the output of a device.
In instruments with a keyboard such as an organ or piano, one of the levers, or especially the exposed front end of it, which are depressed to cause a particular sound or note to be produced.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
The lowest note of a scale; keynote.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
In musical theory, the total melodic and harmonic relations, which exist between the tones of an ideal scale, major or minor; tonality.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
In musical theory and notation, the tonality centering in a given tone, or the several tones taken collectively, of a given scale, major or minor.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
In musical notation, a sign at the head of a staff indicating the musical key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance.
A modification of an advertisement so as to target a particular group or demographic.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, figuratively
Topics: advertising, business, entertainment, lifestyle, marketing, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring.
An item of decor shaped like a key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring.
An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, such as the fruit of the ash and maple; a samara.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: biology, botany, natural-sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: key-fruit
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring.
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.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: ball-games, basketball, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring.
The thirty-third card of the Lenormand deck, which features an image of a key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: cartomancy, human-sciences, mysticism, philosophy, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses related to colors.
The overall color tone of a painting or other visual art, with a high key indicating generally light colors and a low key indicating generally dark colors.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: art, arts
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses related to colors.
The black ink layer, especially in relation to the three color layers of cyan, magenta, and yellow. See also CMYK.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: print and film
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Senses related to colors.
A color to be masked or made transparent.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: broadcasting, computer-graphics, computing, engineering, mathematics, media, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences, television
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A manual electrical switching device primarily used for the transmission of Morse code.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: historical
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
The degree of roughness, or the ability of a surface to retain an applied liquid, such as paint or glue.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
One of a string of small islands.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A kilogram, especially of a recreational drug.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: slang
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: kay
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Alternative form of quay.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: alt-of, alternative
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A key position player (a tall forward or defender).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: Australian rules football
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To fit (a lock) with a key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key to maintain the orientation between them.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To mark or indicate with a symbol indicating membership in a class.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To depress (a telegraph key).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: broadcasting, communications, electrical-engineering, engineering, media, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, radio, telecommunications, telegraphy
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To operate (the transmitter switch of a two-way radio).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: broadcasting, media, radio
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
(more usually to key in) To enter (information) by typing on a keyboard or keypad.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: colloquial
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To link (as one might do with a key or legend).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To be identified as a certain taxon when using a key.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Topics: biology, natural-sciences, taxonomy
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To modify (an advertisement) so as to target a particular group or demographic.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Topics: advertising, business, marketing
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To attune to; to set at; to pitch.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To prepare for plastering by adding the key (that part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and holds the rest in place).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To provide an arch with a keystone.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Clipping of chromakey.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: abbreviation, alt-of, clipping
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
adjective satellite
serving as an essential component
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: cardinal, central, fundamental, primal
Antonyms: none provided
noun
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: device
Narrower terms: ignition key, latchkey, passkey, passe-partout, master key, master
noun
a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: lever
Narrower terms: backspace key, backspace, backspacer, control key, command key, return key, return, shift key, shift, space bar, tab key, tab, telegraph key
noun
the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: keystone, headstone
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: building block
Narrower terms: quoin, coign, coigne
noun
mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: winder
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: mechanical device
Narrower terms: watch key
noun
pitch of the voice
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: pitch
noun
something crucial for explaining
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: explanation
noun
a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: positive identification
noun
a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: list, listing
Narrower terms: key word
noun
a list of answers to a test
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: list, listing
noun
any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: tonality
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: musical notation
Narrower terms: major key, major mode, minor key, minor mode, tonic key, home key
noun
(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
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: paint
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: space
noun
a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: cay, Florida key
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: coral reef
noun
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)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: Francis Scott Key
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: lawyer, attorney, poet
noun
a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: samara, key fruit
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: achene
noun
a kilogram of a narcotic drug
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: kilogram, kg, kilo
verb
harmonize with or adjust to
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: harmonize, harmonise, reconcile
verb
regulate the musical pitch of
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: harmonize, harmonise, chord
verb
identify as in botany or biology, for example
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: identify, discover, key out, distinguish, describe, name
Antonyms: none provided
verb
vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: vandalize, vandalise
verb
provide with a key
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: supply, provide, render, furnish
History
From Middle English keye, kaye, keiȝe, from Old English cǣġ (“key, solution, experiment”) (whence also Scots key and kay (“key”)), from Anglo-Frisian Proto-West Germanic *kaiju, of uncertain origin. The only sure cognates are Saterland Frisian Koai (“key”), West Frisian kaai (“key”), and North Frisian kai, koie (“key”). Possibly from Proto-Germanic *kēgaz, *kēguz (“stake, post, pole”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵogh-, *ǵegh-, *ǵeghn- (“branch, stake, bush”), which would make it cognate with Middle Low German kāk (“whipping post, pillory”), and perhaps to Middle Dutch keige (“javelin, spear”) and Middle Low German keie, keige (“spear”). For the semantic development, note that medieval keys were simply long poles (ending in a hook) with which a crossbar obstructing a door from the inside could be removed from the outside, by lifting it through a hole in the door. Liberman has noted, however, "The original meaning of *kaig-jo- was presumably '*pin with a twisted end.' Words with the root *kai- followed by a consonant meaning 'crooked, bent; twisted' are common only in the North Germanic languages."
Variant of cay, from Spanish cayo, from Taíno cayo (“small island”)
Clipping of kilogram or kilo.
Clipping of key position.
Across languages
805 source translations are retained for this English entry.
