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A Writer's Dictionary:

keys Definition


Dictionary Home » Words Starting with K » keratitis ... Khmer » keys


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.




    key2
    cay
    noun
      keys, cays
      1. A small low island or reef formed of sand, coral, rock or mud, especially one off the coast of Florida.
    Etymology: 17c: from Spanish cayo.



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