Collins English-English Dictionary

key [kiː]

1. 1. n key move the correct initial move in the solution of a set problem

2. 2. n tonality any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework

3. 3. n a metal instrument, usually of a specifically contoured shape, that is made to fit a lock and, when rotated, operates the lock's mechanism

4. 4. n any instrument that is rotated to operate a valve, clock winding mechanism, etc

5. 5. n a small metal peg or wedge inserted into keyways

6. 6. n any of a set of levers operating a typewriter, computer, etc

7. 7. n any of the visible parts of the lever mechanism of a musical keyboard instrument that when depressed set in motion the action that causes the instrument to sound

8. 8. n the main tonal centre in an extended composition

   a symphony in the key of F major

9. 9. n the tonic of a major or minor scale

10. 10. n See tuning key

11. 11. n something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation

    the key to adult behaviour lies in childhood

12. 12. n a means of achieving a desired end

    the key to happiness

13. 13. n a means of access or control

    Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean

14. 14. n a list of explanations of symbols, codes, etc

15. 15. n a text that explains or gives information about a work of literature, art, or music

16. 16. n [Biology] a systematic list of taxonomic characteristics, used to identify animals or plants

17. 17. n [photog] [painting] the dominant tonal value and colour intensity of a picture - See also low-key high-key

18. 18. n [electrical engineering] a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits

19. 19. n a hand-operated switch that is pressed to transmit coded signals, esp Morse code

20. 20. n the grooving or scratching of a surface or the application of a rough coat of plaster, etc, to provide a bond for a subsequent finish

21. 21. n pitch

    he spoke in a low key

22. 22. n a characteristic mood or style

    a poem in a melancholic key

23. 23. n level of intensity

    she worked herself up to a high key

24. 24. n [railways] a wooden wedge placed between a rail and a chair to keep the rail firmly in place

25. 25. n a wedge for tightening a joint or for splitting stone or timber

26. 26. n short for keystone

27. 27. n [Botany] any dry winged fruit, esp that of the ash

28. 28. n [modifier] of great importance

    a key issue

29. 29. n [modifier] [photog] determining the tonal value of a photograph

    flesh colour is an important key tone

30. 30. vb [mainly tr] [foll by to] to harmonize (with)

    to key one's actions to the prevailing mood

31. 31. vb to adjust or fasten with a key or some similar device

32. 32. vb to provide with a key or keys

33. 33. vb to scratch the paintwork of (a car) with a key

34. 34. vb [often foll by up] to locate the position of (a piece of copy, artwork, etc) on a layout by the use of symbols

35. 35. vb another word for keyboard

36. 36. vb [also intr] to include a distinguishing device in (an advertisement, etc), so that responses to it can be identified

37. 37. vb to provide a keystone for (an arch)

38. 38. vb See also key in key up

39. 39. vb [Etymology] Old English cæg; related to Old Frisian kei, Middle Low German keie spear

key [kiː]

1. 1. n a variant spelling of cay