Key | Mean of key in English Dictionary

/ˈkiː/

• Noun
• a device that is used to open a lock or start an automobile
1. You need the key to get into the drawer.
2. She turned the key and opened the door.
3. house/car keys
4. the ignition key of a car
5. the key to the lock
6. That woman holds the key to his heart.
• a device that looks like a key and that is used to turn something
1. a key for winding a clock
• something that is necessary in order to do or achieve something
1. If you want to improve your health, exercise is the key.
2. The key to hitting the ball well is following through on your stroke.
3. Hard work is the key to success.

• something that provides an explanation or solution
1. the key to a riddle
• a list of words or phrases that explain the meaning of symbols or abbreviations
1. Use the key to decode the symbols.
2. a pronunciation key
• any one of the buttons of a computer or typewriter that you push with your fingers
1. He tapped away at the keys, typing his letter.
• any one of the parts that you push with your fingers to play a piano or similar musical instrument
1. She sat down at the piano and put her hands on the keys.
• a system of musical tones based on a scale beginning on the note for which the system is named
1. the key of C
2. The symphony changes key from G major to E minor.
• extremely important
1. He's a key player/person in the organization.
2. The key question is “Can we afford it?”
3. Underline key words and phrases as you read.
4. Their votes were key in getting the bill passed.
• Verb
• to enter (information) by using the keys of a computer, typewriter, etc.
1. The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist.
2. In order to gain access to the network, you first have to key in [=type in] your name and password.
3. The cashier keyed each price into the cash register.
• to have the most important part in (something)
1. Defense keyed the victory.
• to make (something) suitable for (a particular use or type of person)
1. I try to key my lectures to my audience.
2. The educational program is keyed to the needs of working women.
• to change (something) in a way that is closely related to (something else)
1. The amount of money they receive is keyed to the rate of inflation. [=the amount increases or decreases if the rate of inflation increases or decreases]
2. Diets are keyed to a person's lifestyle and weight-loss goal.
• Noun
• a low island or reef
• a group of small islands off the southern coast of Florida