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KEY

Definition:

1. [noun] metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
   
   
2. [noun] something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration"
   
   
3. [noun] pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"
   
   
4. [noun] any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
   Synonyms: tonality
   
   
5. [noun] a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin"
   
   
6. [noun] a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
   Synonyms: samara, fruit
   
   
7. [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)
   Synonyms: Key, Francis Scott Key
   
   
8. [noun] a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
   Synonyms: cay, Florida s
   
   
9. [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; "he hit a jump shot from the top of the key"; "he dominates play in the paint"
   Synonyms: paint
   
   
10. [noun] a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
    
    
11. [noun] a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
    
    
12. [noun] a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access; "a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it"
    
    
13. [noun] mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
    Synonyms: winder
    
    
14. [noun] the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
    Synonyms: stone, headstone
    
    
15. [noun] a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed
    
    
16. [verb] identify as in botany or biology, for example
    Synonyms: identify, discover, out, distinguish, describe, name
    
    
17. [verb] provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
    
    
18. [verb] vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
    
    
19. [verb] regulate the musical pitch of
    
    
20. [verb] harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"
    
    
21. [adjective] serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"
    Synonyms: cardinal, central, fundamental, primal
    
    
22. [adjective] effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word"
    Synonyms: operative
    
    

Synonyms:

• Search for synonyms for KEY

Related Words:

• ignition key
• latchkey
• passkey, passe-partout, master key, master
• major key, major mode
• minor key, minor mode
• tonic key, home key
• key word
• watch key
• quoin, coign, coigne
• backspace key, backspacer
• control key, command key
• return key, return
• space bar
• tab key, tab
• telegraph key

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