key

Noun
  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)
  2. Something crucial for explaining (synset 105802065)
    "the key to development is economic integration"
  3. Pitch of the voice (synset 104993396)
    "he spoke in a low key"
  4. Any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music (synset 106876801)
  5. A kilogram of a narcotic drug (synset 113746948)
    "they were carrying two keys of heroin"
  6. A winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple (synset 112056695)
  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)
  8. A coral reef off the southern coast of Florida (synset 109348301)
  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"
  10. A list of answers to a test (synset 106504429)
    "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
  11. A list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations (synset 106504179)
  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"
  13. Mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) (synset 104593867)
  14. The central building block at the top of an arch or vault (synset 103620342)
  15. A lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed (synset 103618801)
Adjective
  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"
Verb
  1. Identify as in botany or biology, for example (synset 200654017)
  2. Provide with a key (synset 202343223)
    "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
  3. Vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key (synset 201523288)
    "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
  4. Regulate the musical pitch of (synset 200484587)
  5. Harmonize with or adjust to (synset 200483680)
    "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

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