key
♦♦ key /k'iː/ (keys keying keyed)
1 [N-COUNT]
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle.
They put the key in the door and entered...
2 [N-COUNT] usu pl
The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it.
3 [N-COUNT] usu pl
The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it.
4 [N-VAR]
In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note.
...the key of A minor.
5 [N-COUNT]
The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings.
You will find a key at the front of the book.
6 [ADJ] ADJ n
The key person or thing in a group is the most important one.
He is expected to be the key witness at the trial...
7 [N-COUNT] usu N to n
The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved.
The key to success is to be ready from the start...
8
see also master keyfunc|tion key (function keys)
[N-COUNT]
Function keys are the keys along the top of a computer keyboard, usually numbered from F1 to F12. Each key is designed to make a particular thing happen when you press it. (COMPUTING)
Just hit the F5 function key to send and receive your e-mails.hot key (hot keys)
[N-COUNT]
A hot key is a key, or a combination of keys, on a computer keyboard that you can press in order to make something happen, without having to type the full instructions. (COMPUTING)key card (key cards)
[N-COUNT]
A key card is a small plastic card which you can use instead of a key to open a door or barrier, for example in some hotels and car parks.key in
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you key something in, you put information into a computer or you give the computer a particular instruction by typing the information or instruction on the keyboard.
Brian keyed in his personal code.
= type inkey play|er (key players)
[N-COUNT]
The key players in a particular organization, event, or situation are the most important people or things involved in it.
The former chairman was a key player in the deals that pushed the bank to the top.key ring (key rings)
also keyring
[N-COUNT]
A key ring is a metal ring which you use to keep your keys together. You pass the ring through the holes in your keys.mas|ter key (master keys)
[N-COUNT]
A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.skel|eton key (skeleton keys)
[N-COUNT]
A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.
1 [N-COUNT]
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle.
They put the key in the door and entered...
2 [N-COUNT] usu pl
The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it.
3 [N-COUNT] usu pl
The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it.
4 [N-VAR]
In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note.
...the key of A minor.
5 [N-COUNT]
The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings.
You will find a key at the front of the book.
6 [ADJ] ADJ n
The key person or thing in a group is the most important one.
He is expected to be the key witness at the trial...
7 [N-COUNT] usu N to n
The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved.
The key to success is to be ready from the start...
8
see also master keyfunc|tion key (function keys)
[N-COUNT]
Function keys are the keys along the top of a computer keyboard, usually numbered from F1 to F12. Each key is designed to make a particular thing happen when you press it. (COMPUTING)
Just hit the F5 function key to send and receive your e-mails.hot key (hot keys)
[N-COUNT]
A hot key is a key, or a combination of keys, on a computer keyboard that you can press in order to make something happen, without having to type the full instructions. (COMPUTING)key card (key cards)
[N-COUNT]
A key card is a small plastic card which you can use instead of a key to open a door or barrier, for example in some hotels and car parks.key in
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you key something in, you put information into a computer or you give the computer a particular instruction by typing the information or instruction on the keyboard.
Brian keyed in his personal code.
= type inkey play|er (key players)
[N-COUNT]
The key players in a particular organization, event, or situation are the most important people or things involved in it.
The former chairman was a key player in the deals that pushed the bank to the top.key ring (key rings)
also keyring
[N-COUNT]
A key ring is a metal ring which you use to keep your keys together. You pass the ring through the holes in your keys.mas|ter key (master keys)
[N-COUNT]
A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.skel|eton key (skeleton keys)
[N-COUNT]
A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.