key

nouns

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
key
is a type of (narrower)
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
"the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water"
device
something crucial for explaining
"the key to development is economic integration"
key
is a type of (narrower)
thought that makes something comprehensible
explanation
pitch of the voice
"he spoke in a low key"
key
is a type of (narrower)
the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
pitch
any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
key, tonality
a kilogram of a narcotic drug
"they were carrying two keys of heroin"
key
domain usage
a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)
"they don't speak our lingo"
argot, cant, jargon, lingo, patois, slang, vernacular
is a type of (narrower)
one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
"a kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds"
kg, kilo, kilogram
a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
key, key fruit, samara
a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
Florida key, cay, 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"
key, paint
a list of answers to a test
"some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
key
is a type of (narrower)
a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
list, listing
a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
key
is a type of (narrower)
a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
list, listing
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"
key
is a type of (narrower)
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"
positive identification
mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
key, winder
the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
headstone, key, keystone
a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
key
is a member of
device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like
keyboard
is a part of
the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism
"the piano had a very stiff action"
action, action mechanism
is a type of (narrower)
a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
lever

verbs

identify as in botany or biology, for example
describe, discover, distinguish, identify, key, key out, name
provide with a key
"We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"
key
is a type of (narrower)
give something useful or necessary to
"We provided the room with an electrical heater"
furnish, provide, render, supply
vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
"His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
key
is a type of (narrower)
destroy wantonly, as through acts of vandalism
"vandalize the park"
vandalise, vandalize
regulate the musical pitch of
key
domain category
(music) the sounds produced by singers or musical instruments (or reproductions of such sounds)
music
is a type of (narrower)
bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
chord, harmonise, harmonize
harmonize with or adjust to
"key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"
key
is a type of (narrower)
bring into consonance or accord
"harmonize one's goals with one's abilities"
harmonise, harmonize, reconcile

adjectives

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"
cardinal, central, fundamental, key, primal