1key1 (kiː
)
Definitions
noun
- a metal instrument, usually of a specifically contoured shape, that is made to fit a lock and, when rotated, operates the lock's mechanism
- any instrument that is rotated to operate a valve, clock winding mechanism, etc
- a small metal peg or wedge inserted into keyways
- any of a set of levers operating a typewriter, computer, etc
- any of the visible parts of the lever mechanism of a musical keyboard instrument that when depressed set in motion the action that causes the instrument to sound
- Also called tonalityany of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework
- the main tonal centre in an extended composition ⇒
a symphony in the key of F major
- the tonic of a major or minor scale
- See tuning key
- something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation ⇒
the key to adult behaviour lies in childhood
- a means of achieving a desired end ⇒
the key to happiness
- a means of access or control ⇒
Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean
- a list of explanations of symbols, codes, etc
- a text that explains or gives information about a work of literature, art, or music
- key movethe correct initial move in the solution of a set problem
- biology a systematic list of taxonomic characteristics, used to identify animals or plants
- photography painting the dominant tonal value and colour intensity of a picture See also low-key (sense 3)
, high-key
- electrical engineering
- a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits
- a hand-operated switch that is pressed to transmit coded signals, esp Morse code
- the grooving or scratching of a surface or the application of a rough coat of plaster, etc, to provide a bond for a subsequent finish
- pitch ⇒
he spoke in a low key
- a characteristic mood or style ⇒
a poem in a melancholic key
- level of intensity ⇒
she worked herself up to a high key
- railways a wooden wedge placed between a rail and a chair to keep the rail firmly in place
- a wedge for tightening a joint or for splitting stone or timber
- short for keystone (sense 1)
- botany any dry winged fruit, esp that of the ash
- (modifier) photography determining the tonal value of a photograph ⇒
flesh colour is an important key tone
adjective
- of great importance; crucial ⇒
a key issue
verb (mainly tr)
- (foll by to) to harmonize (with) ⇒
to key one's actions to the prevailing mood
- to adjust or fasten with a key or some similar device
- to provide with a key or keys
- to scratch the paintwork of (a car) with a key
- (often foll by up) to locate the position of (a piece of copy, artwork, etc) on a layout by the use of symbols
- (also intr) another word for keyboard (sense 3)
- to include a distinguishing device in (an advertisement, etc), so that responses to it can be identified
- to provide a keystone for (an arch)
Alternative Forms
ˈkeyless adjective Word Origin
Old English cǣg; related to Old Frisian kēi, Middle Low German keie spear
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
answer,
means,
secret,
solution,
path,
formula,
passage,
clue,
cue,
pointer,
sign,
=
essential,
leading,
major,
main,
important,
chief,
necessary,
basic,
vital,
crucial,
principal,
fundamental,
decisive,
indispensable,
pivotal,
must-have,
lead,
