key

I

[[t]ki[/t]]

n. pl. keys, adj. v.

1) bui a small metal instrument specially cut to fit into a lock and move its bolt

2) any of various devices functioning as a key:

the key of a clock[/ex]

3) something that affords a means to achive, master, or understand something else:

the key to happiness; the key to training a dog[/ex]

4) something that controls entrance to a place:

Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean[/ex]

5) a book or other text containing the solutions or translations of material given elsewhere, as testing exercises

6) a systematic explanation of abbreviations, symbols, and the like used in a dictionary, map, etc.: pronunciation key

Compare legend 4)

7) crp the system, method, pattern, etc., used to decode or decipher a cryptogram

8) cmp one of the buttons on the keyboard of a typewriter, computer, or the like that are pressed to operate the device

9) mad

a) (in a keyboard instrument) one of the levers that when depressed by the performer sets in motion the playing mechanism

b) (on a woodwind instrument) a metal lever that opens and closes a vent

c) the relationship perceived between all tones in a given unit of music and a single tone or a keynote; tonality

d) the principal tonality of a composition

10) tone or pitch, as of voice:

to speak in a high key[/ex]

11) mood or characteristic style

12) degree of intensity, as of feeling or action

13) mac a pin, bolt, wedge, or other piece inserted in a space to lock or hold parts of a mechanism or structure together

14) mac a contrivance for grasping and turning a bolt, nut, etc

15) cmp a group of characters that identifies a record in a database or other computer file

16) elm

a) a device for opening and closing electrical contacts, as a lever used to produce signals in telegraphy

b) a hand-operated switching device capable of switching one or more parts of a circuit

17) bio Biol. a systematic tabular classification of the significant characteristics of the members of a group of organisms to facilitate identification and comparison

18) archit. bui a keystone or boss

19) bui a wedge, as for tightening a joint or splitting a stone or timber

20) spo

keyhole 2)

21) pht the dominant tonal value of a photograph, high key being light tonal value with minimal contrast and low key being generally dark with minimal contrast

22) bot Bot. a samara

23) chief; major:

a key industry; The decision will be key[/ex]

24) to regulate or adjust (actions, thoughts, speech, etc.) to a particular state or activity; bring into conformity

25) to provide with a key

26) cvb jou to mark or set (a text, layout, diagram, etc.) with symbols, letters, etc., as to show where certain matter should be inserted or to indicate where more detailed information can be found

27) to lock with a key

28) bui to provide (an arch or vault) with a keystone

29) cvb cmp to keyboard (data) into a computer (sometimes fol. by in)

30) cvb to use a key

31) cmp to keyboard

32) phv spo key (in) on

phv to single out as important

33) phv key up

phv to increase tension in; stimulate

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME key(e), kay(e), OE cǣg, cǣge; c. OFris kei, kai key′less, adj. II

key

[[t]ki[/t]] n. pl. keys

geo a reef or low island; cay

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Etymology: 1690–1700; < Sp cayo, prob. < Arawak III

key

[[t]ki[/t]] n. pl. keys. Slang.

cvb sts a kilogram of marijuana or a narcotic drug

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Etymology: 1965–70, amer.; shortening and resp. of kilogram