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A device that unlocks or opens, typically a door
“She reached for her coat and car keys.”
Something that provides a means of understanding or achieving something
“I was of the opinion that the key to empowering individuals was to provide them with options.”
The way, means or right of entering or participating in
“For my parents, college represented a key to a better life.”
A group of notes based on a particular note and comprising a scale, regarded as forming the tonal basis of a piece of music
“The first section scampers about in a happy fashion but darkens suddenly in the key of D minor.”
The prevailing tone of a piece of writing, performance or situation
“Kingsley plays Ford in a near-hysterical key throughout, his jealousy tinged with full-blown paranoia.”
A plan, or set of actions proposed or used to solve a problem
A round button or switch for adjusting or controlling a machine or device
An answer to a problem or puzzle
A word used to gain admittance or to gain access to information
A contiguous area of land totally surrounded by water
An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based
That which can be used as an indication of something
The wording on a map or diagram explaining the symbols used
Musical notation indicating the tonality of a piece
(instructions) Detailed information about how something should be done or operated
A title or brief explanation accompanying an illustration, cartoon, or poster
A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behavior
Small device to be used with a computer
A translation of a text for use by students, especially in a surreptitious way
A component of the action of a mechanical keyboard instrument such as a piano or organ
(computing, programming) A field, especially an input variable of a procedure definition
Of crucial importance
“They say that in this case, some of the people who are retiring are in key positions.”
Of a serious or sedate nature or consequence
(key in) To bring into harmony or accord
“You will need to key yourself into the situation to avoid making any rash decisions.”
(key in) To enter data into a form or field with the use of a keyboard
“Please key in your details using the form provided on the web page.”
To scratch with a key
“Someone would key my car and I would then have to spend hundreds on a new paint job!”
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