key [ ki:iŋ ]

• n.
  • metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
  • something crucial for explaining

    "the key to development is economic integration"

  • pitch of the voice

    "he spoke in a low key"

  • any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

    同义词： tonality

  • a kilogram of a narcotic drug

    "they were carrying two keys of heroin"

  • a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

    同义词： samara key fruit

  • 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)

    同义词： Francis Scott Key

  • a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

    同义词： cay Florida 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"

    同义词： paint

  • a list of answers to a test

    "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"

  • a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
  • 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"

  • mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

    同义词： winder

  • the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

    同义词： keystone headstone

  • a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed
• v.
  • identify as in botany or biology, for example

    同义词： identify discover key out distinguish describe name

  • provide with a key

    "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"

  • vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key

    "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"

  • regulate the musical pitch of
  • harmonize with or adjust to

    "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

• adj.
  • serving as an essential component

    同义词： cardinal central fundamental primal

  • effective; producing a desired effect

    同义词： operative

以上来源于: WordNet