Key Definition

keyed, keying, keys
noun
keys
An instrument, usually of metal, for moving the bolt of a lock and thus locking or unlocking something.
Webster's New World
Any of several instruments or mechanical devices resembling or suggesting this in form or use.
Webster's New World
Something regarded as like a key in opening or closing a way, revealing or concealing, etc.
Webster's New World
A keycard.
American Heritage
Tone or style of thought or expression.
In a cheerful key.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:
adjective
Of crucial importance; significant.
Key decisions; the key element of the thesis.
American Heritage
Controlling; essential; important.
A key position.
Webster's New World
verb
keyed, keying, keys
To fasten or lock with a key or wedge.
Webster's New World
To be the determining or crucial factor in.
A double that keyed a three-run rally in the fifth inning.
American Heritage
To furnish with a key.
Webster's New World
To regulate the tone or pitch of.
Webster's New World
To bring into harmony or accord.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
in key
  • In consonance with other factors.
American Heritage
out of key
  • Not in consonance with other factors.
American Heritage
key in
  • to input (data) by means of a keyboard or keypad
Webster's New World
key (in) on
  • to focus one's attention, effort, etc. on

    the teacher keyed in on the final chapter

Webster's New World
key up
  • to make tense or excited, as in anticipation
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Key

Noun

Singular:
key
Plural:
keys

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Key

Origin of Key

  • From Middle English keye, kaye, keiȝe, from Old English cǣġ, cǣġe, cǣga (“key, solution, experiment”), from Proto-Germanic *kēgaz (“stake, post, pole”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵogh-, *ǵegh- (“branch, stake, bush”), related to Old English cǣggian (“to lock, shut”). Cognate with Scots key, kay (“key”), West Frisian kaai (“key”), North Frisian kay (“key”), Middle Low German kāk (“whipping post, pillory”), and perhaps to Middle Dutch keige (“javelin, spear”), Middle Low German keie, keige (“spear”). For the semantic development, note that medieval keys were simply long poles (ending in a hook) with which a crossbar obstructing a door from the inside could be removed from the outside, by lifting it through a hole in the door.

    From Wiktionary

  • Alteration (influenced by key) (variant of quay) of Spanish cayo cay

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English kai, kei from Old English cǣg

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Variant of cay, from Spanish cayo.

    From Wiktionary

  • Shortening and alteration of kilogram

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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