Definitions for the word "key" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
An instrument by means of which the bolt of a lock is shot or drawn; usually, a removable metal instrument fitted to the mechanism of a particular lock and operated by turning in its place.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
An instrument which is turned like a key in fastening or adjusting any mechanism; as, a watch key; a bed key, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
That part of an instrument or machine which serves as the means of operating it; as, a telegraph key; the keys of a pianoforte, or of a typewriter.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A position or condition which affords entrance, control, pr possession, etc.; as, the key of a line of defense; the key of a country; the key of a political situation. Hence, that which serves to unlock, open, discover, or solve something unknown or difficult; as, the key to a riddle; the key to a problem.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
That part of a mechanism which serves to lock up, make fast, or adjust to position.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A piece of wood used as a wedge.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
The last board of a floor when laid down.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A keystone.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
That part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and holds the rest in place.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
A wedge to unite two or more pieces, or adjust their relative position; a cotter; a forelock.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
A bar, pin or wedge, to secure a crank, pulley, coupling, etc., upon a shaft, and prevent relative turning; sometimes holding by friction alone, but more frequently by its resistance to shearing, being usually embedded partly in the shaft and partly in the crank, pulley, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, as the fruit of the ash and maple; a samara; -- called also key fruit.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
A family of tones whose regular members are called diatonic tones, and named key tone (or tonic) or one (or eight), mediant or three, dominant or five, subdominant or four, submediant or six, supertonic or two, and subtonic or seven. Chromatic tones are temporary members of a key, under such names as " sharp four," "flat seven," etc. Scales and tunes of every variety are made from the tones of a key.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
The fundamental tone of a movement to which its modulations are referred, and with which it generally begins and ends; keynote.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
Fig: The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. t.
To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
(pl. -s) 1 (usu. Metal) instrument for moving the bolt of a lock. 2 similar implement for operating a switch. 3 instrument for grasping screws, nuts, etc., or for winding a clock etc. 4 (often in pl.) Finger-operated button or lever on a typewriter, piano, computer terminal, etc. 5 means of advance, access, etc. (key to success). 6 (attrib.) Essential (key element). 7 a solution or explanation. B word or system for solving a cipher or code. C explanatory list of symbols used in a map, table, etc. 8 mus. System of notes related to each other and based on a particular note (key of c major).
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
18. n.
Low-lying island or reef, esp. In the w. Indies. [spanish cayo]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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