"keys" in the noun sense
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. key, tonality
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. samara, key fruit, key
a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
7. Key, Francis Scott 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. key, cay, Florida key
a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
9. key, paint
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. winder, key
mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
14. keystone, key, headstone
the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
15. key
a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
"keys" in the verb sense
1. identify, discover, key, key out, distinguish, describe, name
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"
Source: WordNet® (An amazing lexical database of English)
Princeton University "About WordNet®."
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