Key - Definition

adj 1: 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, key, primal]
n 1: metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted
into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be
rotated
2: something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is
economic integration"
3: pitch of the voice; "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 [syn: key, tonality]
[ant: atonalism, atonality]
5: a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys
of heroin"
6: a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or
elm or maple [syn: samara, key fruit, key]
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) [syn: Key, Francis Scott
Key]
8: a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida [syn: key,
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; "he hit a jump
shot from the top of the key"; "he dominates play in the
paint" [syn: key, paint]
10: a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the
key to the final exam"
11: a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or
abbreviations
12: 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"
13: mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven
by a spring (as a clock) [syn: winder, key]
14: the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
[syn: keystone, key, headstone]
15: a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when
depressed
v 1: identify as in botany or biology, for example [syn:
identify, discover, key, key out, distinguish,
describe, name]
2: provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were
changed in the building"
3: vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new
Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
4: regulate the musical pitch of
5: harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the
voters' prevailing attitude"