subst. |
1. |
key - a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed |
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lever a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
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keyboard holder consisting of an arrangement of hooks on which keys or locks can be hung
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action mechanism,
action something done (usually as opposed to something said); "there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions"
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backspace,
backspace key,
backspacer the typewriter key used for back spacing
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command key,
control key (computer science) the key on a computer keyboard that is used (in combination with some other key) to type control characters
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return key,
return the key on electric typewriters or computer keyboards that causes a carriage return and a line feed
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shift key,
shift the key on the typewriter keyboard that shifts from lower-case letters to upper-case letters
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space bar the bar-shaped typewriter key that introduces spaces when used
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tab key,
tab the key on a typewriter or a word processor that causes a tabulation
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telegraph key key consisting of a lever that sends a telegraph signal when it is depressed and the circuit is closed
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2. |
key - metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated |
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device any clever maneuver; "he would stoop to any device to win a point"; "it was a great sales gimmick"; "a cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen"
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bit the cutting part of a drill; usually pointed and threaded and is replaceable in a brace or bitstock or drill press; "he looked around for the right size bit"
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ignition key a key that operates the ignition switch of an automotive engine
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latchkey key for raising or drawing back a latch or opening an outside door
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master key,
passkey,
passe-partout,
master key that secures entrance everywhere
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stem,
shank the tube of a tobacco pipe
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3. |
key - any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music |
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tonality |
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atonalism,
atonality the absence of a key; alternative to the diatonic system
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musical notation (music) notation used by musicians
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major key,
major mode a key whose harmony is based on the major scale
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minor key,
minor mode a key based on the minor scale
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home key,
tonic key the basic key in which a piece of music is written
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4. |
key - (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" |
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paint |
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space the unlimited expanse in which everything is located; "they tested his ability to locate objects in space"; "the boundless regions of the infinite"
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basketball court the court on which basketball is played
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basketball game,
hoops,
basketball a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop
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foul line lines through 1st and 3rd base indicating the boundaries of a baseball field
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5. |
key - pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key" |
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pitch the action or manner of throwing something; "his pitch fell short and his hat landed on the floor"
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6. |
key - a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations |
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list,
listing a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
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key word a significant word used in indexing or cataloging
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7. |
key - a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida |
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cay |
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coral reef a reef consisting of coral consolidated into limestone
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everglade state,
fl,
florida,
sunshine state a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
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8. |
Key - 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) |
9. |
key - a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin" |
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kg,
kilo,
kilogram one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; "a kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds"
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argot,
lingo,
patois,
slang,
vernacular,
jargon,
cant a regional dialect of a language (especially French); usually considered substandard
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10. |
key - something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration" |
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explanation thought that makes something comprehensible
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11. |
key - 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" |
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positive identification evidence proving that you are who you say you are; evidence establishing that you are among the group of people already known to the system; recognition by the system leads to acceptance; "a system for positive identification can prevent the use of a single identity by several people"
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12. |
key - a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam" |
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list,
listing a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
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verb |
1. |
key - regulate the musical pitch of |
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chord,
harmonise,
harmonize play chords on (a string instrument)
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music musical activity (singing or whistling etc.); "his music was his central interest"
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2. |
key - vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot" |
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vandalise,
vandalize destroy wantonly, as through acts of vandalism; "vandalize the park"
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3. |
key - provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building" |
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furnish,
supply,
provide,
render provide or equip with furniture; "We furnished the house in the Biedermeyer style"
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4. |
key - harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude" |
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reconcile,
harmonise,
harmonize come to terms; "After some discussion we finally made up"
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