key

1. Metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated (synset 103618503)
   is a type of: device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
   subtypes:

   • ignition key - a key that operates the ignition switch of an automotive engine
   • latchkey - key for raising or drawing back a latch or opening an outside door
   • master, master key, passe-partout, passkey - key that secures entrance everywhere
   has:

   • bit - the part of a key that enters a lock and lifts the tumblers
   • shank, stem - cylinder forming a long narrow part of something
2. Something crucial for explaining (synset 105802065)
   "the key to development is economic integration"
   is a type of: explanation - thought that makes something comprehensible
3. Pitch of the voice (synset 104993396)
   "he spoke in a low key"
   is a type of: pitch - the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
4. Any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music (synset 106876801)
   is a type of: musical notation - (music) notation used by musicians
   subtypes:

   • major key, major mode - a key whose harmony is based on the major scale
   • minor key, minor mode - a key based on the minor scale
   • home key, tonic key - the basic key in which a piece of music is written
   same as: tonality
5. A kilogram of a narcotic drug (synset 113746948)
   "they were carrying two keys of heroin"
   domain usage: argot, cant, jargon, lingo, patois, slang, vernacular - a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)
   is a type of: kg, kilo, kilogram - one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
6. A winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple (synset 112056695)
   is a type of: achene - small dry indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall
   same as: key fruit, samara
7. 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) (synset 111123094)
   is an instance of:

   • attorney, lawyer - a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
   • poet - a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
   same as: francis scott key
8. A coral reef off the southern coast of Florida (synset 109348301)
   is a type of: coral reef - a reef consisting of coral consolidated into limestone
   is a part of: everglade state, fl, fla., florida, sunshine state - a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
   same as: cay, florida key
9. (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 (synset 108608465)
   "he hit a jump shot from the top of the key"; "he dominates play in the paint"
   referred to in: basketball, basketball game, hoops - a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop
   is a type of: space - an area reserved for some particular purpose
   has: foul line - a line from which basketball players take penalty shots
   is a part of: basketball court - the court on which basketball is played
   same as: paint
10. A list of answers to a test (synset 106504429)
    "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
    is a type of: list, listing - a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
11. A list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations (synset 106504179)
    is a type of: list, listing - a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
    subtypes: key word - a word that is used as a pattern to decode an encrypted message
12. A generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access (synset 106436512)
    "a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it"
    is a type of: positive identification - evidence proving that you are who you say you are; evidence establishing that you are among the group of people already known to the system; recognition by the system leads to acceptance
13. Mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) (synset 104593867)
    is a type of: mechanical device - mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles
    subtypes: watch key - winder consisting of a key with a square hole; used for winding some watches
    same as: winder
14. The central building block at the top of an arch or vault (synset 103620342)
    is a type of: building block - a block of material used in construction work
    subtypes: coign, coigne, quoin - the keystone of an arch
    is a part of: arch - (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
    same as: headstone, keystone
15. A lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed (synset 103618801)
    is a type of: lever - a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
    subtypes:

    • backspace, backspace key, backspacer - the typewriter key used for back spacing
    • command key, control key - (computer science) the key on a computer keyboard that is used (in combination with some other key) to type control characters
    • return, return key - the key on electric typewriters or computer keyboards that causes a carriage return and a line feed
    • shift, shift key - the key on the typewriter keyboard that shifts from lower-case letters to upper-case letters
    • space bar - the bar-shaped typewriter key that introduces spaces when used
    • tab, tab key - the key on a typewriter or a word processor that causes a tabulation
    • telegraph key - key consisting of a lever that sends a telegraph signal when it is depressed and the circuit is closed
    belongs to: keyboard - device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like
    is a part of: action, action mechanism - the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism

1. Serving as an essential component (synset 301280207)
   "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"
   similar to: important, of import - of great significance or value
   same as: cardinal, central, fundamental, primal

1. Identify as in botany or biology, for example (synset 200654017)
   entail: assort, class, classify, separate, sort, sort out - arrange or order by classes or categories
   same as: describe, discover, distinguish, identify, key out, name
2. Provide with a key (synset 202343223)
   "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
   is a type of: furnish, provide, render, supply - give something useful or necessary to
3. Vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key (synset 201523288)
   "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
   is a type of: vandalise, vandalize - destroy wantonly, as through acts of vandalism
4. Regulate the musical pitch of (synset 200484587)
   referred to in: music - (music) the sounds produced by singers or musical instruments (or reproductions of such sounds)
   is a type of: chord, harmonise, harmonize - bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
5. Harmonize with or adjust to (synset 200483680)
   "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"
   is a type of: harmonise, harmonize, reconcile - bring into consonance or accord

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