metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

a list of answers to a test; some students had stolen the key to the final exam'

a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

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'

mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

[ Syn: winder ]

the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

[ Syn: keystone , headstone ]

a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

something crucial for explaining; the key to development is economic integration'

pitch of the voice; he spoke in a low key'

any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

[ Syn: tonality ]

a kilogram of a narcotic drug; they were carrying two keys of heroin'

a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

[ Syn: samara , key fruit ]

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)

[ Syn: key , francis scott key ]

a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

[ Syn: cay , florida key ]

(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

[ Syn: paint ]

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

[ Syn: cardinal , central , fundamental , primal ]

identify as in botany or biology, for example

[ Syn: identify , discover , key out , distinguish , describe , name ]

provide with a key; We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building'

vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot'

regulate the musical pitch of

harmonize with or adjust to; key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude'