Noun:
1: key metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
2: key something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration"
3: key pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"
4: tonality, key any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
5: key a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin"
6: key, key fruit, samara a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
7: francis scott key, 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)
8: cay, florida key, key a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
9: paint, 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"
10: key a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
11: key a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
12: 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"
13: key, winder mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
14: keystone, headstone, key the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
15: key a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed
Verb:
1: key out, identify, describe, name, discover, distinguish, key identify as in botany or biology, for example
2: key provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
3: key vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
4: key regulate the musical pitch of
5: key harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"
Adjective:
1: central, fundamental, cardinal, key, of import, important, primal serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"
2: operative, important, key, significant effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word"