keyed up Definition

key¹
noun keys

1. A device for opening or closing a lock, or for winding up, turning, tuning, tightening or loosening.
2. One of a series of buttons or levers pressed to sound the notes on a musical instrument, or to print or display a character on a computer, typewriter, calculator, etc.
3. A system of musical notes related to one another in a scale.
4. Pitch, tone or style.

Example: spoke in a low key
5. Something that provides an answer or solution.

Thesaurus: answer, explanation, interpretation, secret.
6. A means of achievement.

Example: the key to success
7. A set of answers, eg at the back of a book of puzzles, exercises, etc.
8. A table explaining signs and symbols used on a map, etc.
9. elec.
A lever-like switch that makes or breaks a circuit for as long as the handle is depressed.
10. The dry winged fruit of certain trees, eg ash, sycamore and maple, often hanging with others in a cluster like a bunch of keys.
11. The relative roughness of a surface, especially with regard to its ability to take paint, etc, more readily.
12. A fret pattern.
13. A pin or wedge for fixing something.
14. biol.
A taxonomic system for distinguishing similar species.

adj

1. Centrally important.

Example: key questions
Thesaurus: basic, cardinal, central, essential, fundamental, important, pivotal, principal, salient, leading, chief, crucial, decisive; Antonym: marginal.

verb keyed, keying

1. To enter (data) into a computer, calculator, etc by means of a keyboard; to keyboard.

Form: key something in (also)
2. To lock or fasten something with a key.
3. To provide with a key or keys.
tr & intr
4. To roughen (a surface) eg for decorating, plastering, etc.
tr & intr
5. To give an advertisement a feature so that replies to it may be identified, eg a reference code added to the address.
6. printing.
To mark the position on the layout of something to be printed, using symbols.

Derivative: keyed

Equipped with a key or keys.

Set to a particular key.

In a state of tension or readiness.

Derivative: keyless
adj

Idiom: keyed up

colloq
Excited; tense; anxious.

Idiom: under lock and key

Safely stored.

In prison.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon cæg.