Key (Noun)
Meaning 1
A list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The key to understanding the map was printed on the back of the brochure, explaining the various symbols used to denote different types of attractions.
- A key was provided at the beginning of the instruction manual to help readers decipher the abbreviations used throughout the text.
- The key to the chart listed the different colors used to represent various data points, making it easier to interpret the results.
- A key was included at the bottom of the diagram to explain the symbols used to represent different components of the machine.
- The key to the table of contents listed the abbreviations used to denote different sections of the book, such as "fig." for figure and "tbl." for table.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The key to understanding the novel lies in its historical context.
- The discovery of DNA was the key to unlocking the secrets of genetic inheritance.
- The key to a successful business is a well-planned marketing strategy.
- Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty in many developing countries.
- The key to resolving the conflict lies in finding a mutually acceptable compromise.
Meaning 3
Pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- She sang the song in a high key, her voice soaring above the accompaniment.
- The politician spoke in a low key, trying to reassure the crowd without being too confrontational.
- The singer's voice was so versatile that she could switch from a high key to a low key with ease.
- The teacher asked the student to speak in a softer key, as his loud voice was disturbing the class.
- The comedian's jokes were delivered in a deadpan key, adding to the humor of the situation.
Related Words
Meaning 4
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).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- Francis Scott Key was a key figure in American history, penning the iconic poem that would become the national anthem.
- The key to Francis Scott Key's inspiration for "The Star-Spangled Banner" was the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Navy.
- Francis Scott Key's poem was a key part of American patriotism, evoking feelings of national pride and unity.
- The key event that sparked Francis Scott Key's creativity was the War of 1812, specifically the Battle of Baltimore.
- Francis Scott Key's legacy is a key part of American cultural heritage, with his poem being sung by generations of Americans.
Synonyms
Meaning 5
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The landlord handed over the key to the new apartment, and I couldn't wait to move in.
- You'll need a key to access the hotel room, so be sure to keep it with you at all times.
- The manager explained that a special key was required to open the cash register.
- A spare key is usually kept with a trusted neighbor in case of emergencies.
- The main key to the house is kept on a hook near the front door.
Meaning 6
Mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock).
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- I used the old key to wind up the antique clock, careful not to over-tighten the spring.
- You'll need a key to wind up the mechanical music box to hear the beautiful melody.
- The pocket watch required a small key to wind it up and keep it ticking.
- My grandfather kept the key to his grandfather clock in a special box to ensure it was safe.
- To keep the toy car running, you need to use the small key to wind up the internal spring.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 7
Any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer carefully selected the key of C major for the bright and uplifting tone she wanted to convey in her symphony.
- The jazz musician expertly modulated to the key of G minor, creating a somber mood that complemented the melancholy lyrics.
- The key of A minor is commonly used in folk music due to its distinctive and haunting sound.
- After a series of chords, the pianist established the key of E flat major, which dominated the remainder of the piece.
- The musical phrase resolved in the key of D major, bringing a sense of resolution and finality to the movement.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 8
A coral reef off the southern coast of Florida.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- A scuba diving instructor provided a key map to help the group navigate the coral reef.
- The key to a successful snorkeling trip was knowing where to find the best viewing spots.
- Marine biologists identified the coral reef as a key habitat for a variety of marine life.
- After years of studying the reef, Sara discovered the key species that kept the coral healthy.
- Locals considered the coral reef a key part of their cultural heritage and worked to protect it.
Synonyms
Meaning 9
A list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The proctor possessed the key to determining the correct answers on the multiple-choice section.
- The students were allowed to glance at the key to double-check their calculations.
- A rogue teacher's assistant had secretly shared the key with a select group of students.
- The professor carefully reviewed the test questions and their corresponding key.
- The students frantically searched for the key to decode the complicated math problems on the exam.
Hypernyms
Meaning 10
A lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Press the F5 key to refresh the webpage.
- She had to mash the shift key multiple times before the correct letter appeared on screen.
- His favorite key was the Enter key because he was an impatient person.
- Hold down the Ctrl key and the K key to perform a search function.
- Use the delete key to get rid of that paragraph in your essay.
Hyponyms
Meaning 11
(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".
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- He consistently sinks shots from beyond the three-point line near the top of the key.
- Players from both teams crash into the key in pursuit of a rebound.
- As she brings the ball up the court, she slows down as she enters the key.
- Her strength is taking on opponents one-on-one when she reaches the top of the key.
- This shooting guard tends to settle for low-percentage shots taken near the top of the key.
Synonyms
Meaning 12
Metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- She struggled to find the right key in the darkness.
- The locksmith expertly crafted a new key for the old lock.
- Can you pass me the key to the shed so I can grab the tools?
- The hotel clerk handed her the key to room 314 and pointed to the elevator.
- The spare key was hidden in a fake rock on the porch.
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 13
A kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin".
Classification
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure.
Usages
Examples
- The police seized a key of cocaine from the suspect's car.
- A key of heroin was found hidden in the shipment of furniture.
- The smugglers were caught with two keys of methamphetamine in their luggage.
- The informant told the authorities that the dealer was selling a key of fentanyl on the streets.
- The customs agents discovered a key of marijuana hidden in a fake rock.
Hypernyms
Meaning 14
The central building block at the top of an arch or vault.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 15
A winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The samara, also known as a key, is a distinctive fruit of the maple tree.
- The ash tree produces a key that is an important food source for birds and small mammals.
- The elm tree's key is a small, winged fruit that is often overlooked by foragers.
- In the fall, the maple tree drops its keys to the ground, where they can be collected for planting.
- The key of the box elder tree is a favorite food of the box elder bug.