From Middle English keye, kaye, keiȝe, from Old English cǣġ (“key, solution, experiment”) (whence also Scots key and kay (“key”)), from Anglo-Frisian Proto-West Germanic *kaiju, of uncertain origin. The only sure cognates are Saterland Frisian Koai (“key”), West Frisian kaai (“key”), and North Frisian kai, koie (“key”). Possibly from Proto-Germanic *kēgaz, *kēguz (“stake, post, pole”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵogʰ-, *ǵegʰ-, *ǵegʰn- (“branch, stake, bush”), which would make it cognate with Middle Low German kāk (“whipping post, pillory”), and perhaps to Middle Dutch keige (“javelin, spear”) and Middle Low German keie, keige (“spear”).
For the semantic development, note that medieval keys were simply long poles (ending in a hook) with which a crossbar obstructing a door from the inside could be removed from the outside, by lifting it through a hole in the door. Liberman has noted, however, "The original meaning of *kaig-jo- was presumably '*pin with a twisted end.' Words with the root *kai- followed by a consonant meaning 'crooked, bent; twisted' are common only in the North Germanic languages."
Lukas intimates that one of Disney's key attractions was "Main Street USA,” which "mimicked a downtown business district just as Southdale" had done. 2007, Mark H. Moss, Shopping as an Entertainment Experience, page 46:
The enemy is moving troops through a key area. Distrupt their activities to open some holes in their defenses. 2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Disrupt Enemy Movements:
The question of the plausibility of the counter-factual is seen as key in all three discussions of allohistorical fiction (as it is in Demandt's and Ferguson's examinations of allohistory) (cf. Rodiek 25–26; Ritter 15–16; Helbig 32). 2014 October 14, David Malcolm, “The Great War Re-Remembered: Allohistory and Allohistorical Fiction”, in Martin Löschnigg, Marzena Sokolowska-Paryz, editors, The Great War in Post-Memory Literature and Film, Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG., →ISBN, page 173:
He is the key player on his soccer team.
Paradoxically enough, however, in general only the parties of the Left have done most to spread the belief that it was the numerical strength of the opposing material interests which decided political issues, whereas in practice these same parties have regularly and successfully acted as if they understood the key position of the intellectuals. 1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 418:
(not-comparable, usually) Important, salient.
She makes several key points.
With the north London derby to come at the weekend, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp opted to rest many of his key players, although he brought back Aaron Lennon after a month out through injury. 2011 September 29, Jon Smith, “Tottenham 3 - 1 Shamrock Rovers”, in BBC Sport:
Throughout the 1500s, the populace roiled over a constellation of grievances of which the forest emerged as a key focal point. The popular late Middle Ages fictional character Robin Hood, dressed in green to symbolize the forest, dodged fines for forest offenses and stole from the rich to give to the poor. But his appeal was painfully real and embodied the struggle over wood. 2006, Edwin Black, chapter 2, in Internal Combustion:
Forms
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keyer
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most key
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Translations (72)
hu lényeges (important) · ja キー (indispensable) · mk суштински (important) · pt chave (indispensable) · it chiave (indispensable) · hy առանցքային (indispensable) · mi tino (important) · ca clau (important) · sw ufunguo (indispensable) · ca clau (indispensable) · ru веду́щий (indispensable) · fr clé (important) · et peamine (indispensable) · sh ključan (important) · fi tärkeä (important) · ka მნიშვნელოვანი (important) · mk суштински (indispensable) · ru важне́йший (important) · ga eochair- (indispensable) · ru гла́вный (important) · fa کلیدی (important) · ru гла́вный (indispensable) · tr anahtar (indispensable) · cy allweddol (indispensable) · ga eochair- (important) · cs klíčový (important) · hu kulcs- (indispensable) · pl kluczowy (indispensable) · ru ключево́й (important) · mk клучен (indispensable) · ru основно́й (important) · gd cudromach (important) · gd riatanach (indispensable) · ka ძირითადი (indispensable) · ka მთავარი (important) · pt chave (important) · ka ძირითადი (important) · ja キー (important) · nl sleutel- (indispensable) · zh 關鍵 /关键 (indispensable) · tg калидӣ (indispensable) · it essenziale (indispensable) · ka მთავარი (indispensable) · bg ключов (indispensable) · bg ключов (important) · it indispensabile (indispensable) · fi avain- (indispensable) · uk ключови́й (indispensable) · fa کلیدی (indispensable) · it chiave (important) · sv nyckel- (indispensable) · hu kulcsfontosságú (indispensable) · be ключавы́ (indispensable) · hu fontos (important) · sh ključan (indispensable) · sw ufunguo (important) · ga príomh- (indispensable) · pl kluczowy (important) · fr clé (indispensable) · et otsustav (indispensable) · et võtme- (indispensable) · ru основно́й (indispensable) · cs klíčový (indispensable) · tg калидӣ (important) · pl główny (indispensable) · eo nepra (indispensable) · eo grava (important) · ru ключево́й (indispensable) · ka მნიშვნელოვანი (indispensable) · es clave (indispensable) · is lykil- (indispensable) · ru важне́йший (indispensable)
From Middle English keye, kaye, keiȝe, from Old English cǣġ (“key, solution, experiment”) (whence also Scots key and kay (“key”)), from Anglo-Frisian Proto-West Germanic *kaiju, of uncertain origin. The only sure cognates are Saterland Frisian Koai (“key”), West Frisian kaai (“key”), and North Frisian kai, koie (“key”). Possibly from Proto-Germanic *kēgaz, *kēguz (“stake, post, pole”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵogʰ-, *ǵegʰ-, *ǵegʰn- (“branch, stake, bush”), which would make it cognate with Middle Low German kāk (“whipping post, pillory”), and perhaps to Middle Dutch keige (“javelin, spear”) and Middle Low German keie, keige (“spear”).
For the semantic development, note that medieval keys were simply long poles (ending in a hook) with which a crossbar obstructing a door from the inside could be removed from the outside, by lifting it through a hole in the door. Liberman has noted, however, "The original meaning of *kaig-jo- was presumably '*pin with a twisted end.' Words with the root *kai- followed by a consonant meaning 'crooked, bent; twisted' are common only in the North Germanic languages."
Meanings
(countable) An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed).
This key is to the backdoor.
apartment key; room key; spare key
insert the key into the lock (formal); put the key in the lock (informal)
We tiptoed into the house, up the stairs and along the hall into the room where the Professor had been spending so much of his time. 'Twas locked, of course, but the Deacon man got a big bunch of keys out of his pocket and commenced to putter with the lock. 1913, Joseph C[rosby] Lincoln, chapter XIII, in Mr. Pratt’s Patients, New York, N.Y.; London: D[aniel] Appleton and Company, →OCLC:
(countable) An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed). ▸ A card or fob that electronically signals a lock to open.
The gym will give you a fob that opens the door.
My hotel room key is a card.
(countable, figuratively) An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed). ▸ A piece of information (e.g., a password or passphrase) used to encode or decode a message or messages.
(Internet, countable) An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed). ▸ A password restricting access to an IRC channel.
if you know someone who is in the channel, you can query them and ask for the key. 2000, Robert Erdec, “Re: Help; mIRC32; unable to resolve server arnes.si”, in alt.irc.mirc (Usenet):
(countable, slang) An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed). ▸ A key bump (A portion of a recreational drug in powdered form that is snorted from a key or similar small object.)
I saw him snort a key at the party.
(countable) An object designed to open and close a lock or to activate or deactivate something, especially a length of metal inserted into a narrow opening on the lock to which it is matched (keyed). ▸ Any of various tools comparable to a wrench (spanner) or driver, which have a specialized end that matches a fixture, analogously to a lock's key.
Safe-deposit boxes open with a special key.
The exterminator will bring a key thingy that can open the bait boxes.
(qualifier:machinery) An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. ▸ A cotter pin.
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. ▸ A piece of wood used as a wedge.
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. ▸ The last board of a floor when laid down.
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. ▸ A keystone.
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. ▸ That part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and that holds the rest in place.
An object designed to fit between two other objects (such as a shaft and a wheel) in a mechanism and maintain their relative orientation. ▸ A wooden wedge, driven sideways between a bullhead rail and a cast-iron chair, to keep the rail securely in position.
(figuratively) A crucial step or requirement.
Those who are accustomed to reason have got the true key of books. a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC:
The key to winning that game is your strategy at the beginning.
Persistence is the key to solving this problem.
Imagination is the key to creation. Whatever you can imagine becomes reality or is reality. That's the way it works. 2015, Omnec Onec, Simply Wisdom and Love:
The PEOPLE'S DAILY today front pages a news item in column one in the experience of Yuhsi County in Yunnan which "mastered the law of agricultural field management, and found the key to increasing autumn grain production." 1960 August 29 [1960 August 26], “Higher Autum Grain Yield is Possible”, in Daily Report: Foreign Radio Broadcasts, number 168, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, sourced from Peking NCNA, translation of original in Chinese, →OCLC, Communist China: National Affairs, page BBB 2-BBB 3:
who keeps the keys of all the creeds 1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “(please specify |part=Prologue or Epilogue, or |canto=I to CXXIX)”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC:
(broadly, figuratively) A crucial step or requirement. ▸ An idea, theory or observation that explains, justifies or renders (something) comprehensible.
The key to his proposal is that he thinks this company is dying and needs radical change.
(figuratively) A crucial step or requirement. ▸ A deciding factor.
Her charm is the key to her success.
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information. ▸ A small guide explaining symbols, abbreviations or terminology, especially the legend on a map or chart.
map key
The key says that A stands for the accounting department.
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information. ▸ A guide to the correct answers of a worksheet or test.
Some students cheated by using the key.
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information. ▸ A series of logically organized groups of discriminating information which aims to allow the user to correctly identify a taxon; a taxonomic key.
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information. ▸ A value that uniquely identifies an entry in a container.
Senses relating to a guide that identifies information. ▸ In a relational database, a field used as an index into another table (not necessarily unique).
Senses relating to a set of features that modify the output of a device. ▸ One of several small, usually square buttons on a typewriter or computer keyboard, mostly corresponding to text characters.
Press the Escape key.
A key; B key, etc.
Senses relating to a set of features that modify the output of a device. ▸ In musical instruments, one of the valve levers used to select notes, such as a lever opening a hole on a woodwind.
piano key
Senses relating to a set of features that modify the output of a device. ▸ In instruments with a keyboard such as an organ or piano, one of the levers, or especially the exposed front end of it, which are depressed to cause a particular sound or note to be produced.
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition.
A girl, it is true, has always lived in a glass house among reproving relatives, whose word was law; she has been bred up to sacrifice her judgments and take the key submissively from dear papa; and it is wonderful how swiftly she can change her tune into the husband's. 1881, R.L. Stevenson, Virginibus Puerisque:
the key of B-flat major
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition. ▸ The lowest note of a scale; keynote.
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition. ▸ In musical theory, the total melodic and harmonic relations, which exist between the tones of an ideal scale, major or minor; tonality.
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition. ▸ In musical theory and notation, the tonality centering in a given tone, or the several tones taken collectively, of a given scale, major or minor.
A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition. ▸ In musical notation, a sign at the head of a staff indicating the musical key.
(figuratively) A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition. ▸ The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance.
?, William Cowper, Conversation
You fall at once into a lower key.
Another popular way to key ads and mailings is to use a suite number, room number, department number, desk number, etc. as part of the ordering address. With a classified ad, using such a key may increase your ad cost. 1998, Mail Order Success Secrets:
2. Queen.[…]Deere Glasse of Ladies
Bid him that we whom flaming war doth scortch,
Vnder the shaddow of his Sword, may coole us:
Require him he advance it ore our heades;
Speak't in a womans key: like such a woman
As any of us three; weepe ere you faile; lend us a knee;
But touch the ground for us no longer time
Then a Doves motion, when the head's pluckt off:
Tell him if he i'th blood cizd field, lay swolne
Showing the Sun his Teeth; grinning at the Moone
What you would doe. 1613–1614 (date written), John Fletcher, William Shak[e]speare, The Two Noble Kinsmen: […], London: […] Tho[mas] Cotes, for Iohn Waterson; […], published 1634, →OCLC, Act I, scene i, page 1:
(broadly, figuratively) A scale or group of pitches constituting the basis of a musical composition. ▸ The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance. ▸ A modification of an advertisement so as to target a particular group or demographic.
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring. ▸ An item of decor shaped like a key.
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring. ▸ An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, such as the fruit of the ash and maple; a samara.
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring. ▸ The free-throw lane together with the circle surrounding the free-throw line, the free-throw lane having formerly been narrower, giving the area the shape of a skeleton key hole.
He shoots from the top of the key.
Senses of items with visual similarity to a key or group of keys on a keyring. ▸ The thirty-third card of the Lenormand deck, which features an image of a key.
Senses related to colors. ▸ The overall color tone of a painting or other visual art, with a high key indicating generally light colors and a low key indicating generally dark colors.
(qualifier:print and film) Senses related to colors. ▸ The black ink layer, especially in relation to the three color layers of cyan, magenta, and yellow. See also CMYK.
Senses related to colors. ▸ A color to be masked or made transparent.
You can easily create this type of user interface by creating a bitmap with certain portions set to a predefined color you want to use as the transparency key. 2004, Mark Schmidt, Simon Robinson, Microsoft Visual C# .NET 2003 Developer's Cookbook, page 195:
There are key controls that adjust the “slice level” or the level at which the key kicks-in and starts cutting a hole for the “fill” […] Chroma key is another form of keying, which derives the key cutter or hole from a selected color. 2016, Jerry C. Whitaker, The SBE Broadcast Engineering Handbook:
(historical) A manual electrical switching device primarily used for the transmission of Morse code.
The degree of roughness, or the ability of a surface to retain an applied liquid, such as paint or glue.
The door panel should be sanded down carefully to provide a good key for the new paint.
fi avain (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · vi chú giải (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · lo ກະແຈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru чека́ (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · sa कुञ्चिका (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa راهْنَما (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · it legenda (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · hak 鎖匙 /锁匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · hi ताली (device designed to open and close a lock) · be кля́віш (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · de Zone (in basketball) · my သော့ (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کَلید (scale of musical notes) · fa کِلید (device designed to open and close a lock) · de Legende (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · uk кла́віша (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · rm clav (device designed to open and close a lock) · lmo ciav (device designed to open and close a lock) · km គន្លឹះ (scale of musical notes) · es tecla (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · et helistik (scale of musical notes) · cy bysell (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · tr tuş (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · tr açkı (device designed to open and close a lock) · sh ти̏пка (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · gl chave (device designed to open and close a lock) · pi kuñcikā (device designed to open and close a lock) · fr clef (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · vi từ khoá (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · pt chave (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · sw ufungu (device used to transmit Morse code) · lt klavišas (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fr clef (device designed to open and close a lock) · fia كوشر (device designed to open and close a lock) · ar زِرّ (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · nl toets (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · eo tonalo (scale of musical notes) · km កូនសោ (device designed to open and close a lock) · uk кла́віш (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · he מַקָּשׁ (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · es clave (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · ky ачкыч (device designed to open and close a lock) · eu gako (crucial step) · be кла́віша (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · pt clave (scale of musical notes) · he מַפְתֵּחַ (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · stq Koai (device designed to open and close a lock) · bg ключ (crucial step) · da signaturforklaring (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · sk kláves (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · da nøgle (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · de Taste (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · la clāvis (device designed to open and close a lock) · de Tonart (scale of musical notes) · ka ლეგენდა (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · fi avainkenttä (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · it chiave (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · pl klucz (crucial step) · cy agoriad (device designed to open and close a lock) · tr açar (device designed to open and close a lock) · hu kulcs (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · myv панжома (device designed to open and close a lock) · fr clé (device designed to open and close a lock) · it chiave (crucial step) · fr tonalité (scale of musical notes) · ps کونجي (device designed to open and close a lock) · mr चावी (device designed to open and close a lock) · et võti (device designed to open and close a lock) · ga eochair (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · fa کَلید (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · eo ŝlosilo (device designed to open and close a lock) · gug ndavoka (device designed to open and close a lock) · nn lykel (device designed to open and close a lock) · cs klíč (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · cy allwedd (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · ru ключ (crucial step) · pl klucz (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · uk ключ (device designed to open and close a lock) · gl chave (crucial step) · shn ၵၢၵ်ႇသေႃး (device designed to open and close a lock) · nl sleutel (device designed to open and close a lock) · lt raktas (scale of musical notes) · ro manipulator (device used to transmit Morse code) · fi avain (device used to transmit Morse code) · ar ساروت (device designed to open and close a lock) · ro cheie (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · nb tast (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ga eochair (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fr légende (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · fy kaai (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · lv taustiņš (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · et võti (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · gd putan (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ceb yawe (device designed to open and close a lock) · mww yuam sij (device designed to open and close a lock) · de Taste (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · el κλειδί (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · vi chìa khóa (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · lv tonalitāte (scale of musical notes) · cy allwedd (device designed to open and close a lock) · hy բանալի (device designed to open and close a lock) · gu કલીદ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ka კლავიში (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · cs klávesa (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · bg ключ (device designed to open and close a lock) · af toonaard (scale of musical notes) · af sleutel (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · es llavín (device designed to open and close a lock) · ro tastă (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · eo klavo (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · na king (device designed to open and close a lock) · ga eochair (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · kmr kilîd (device designed to open and close a lock) · es clave (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · es clave (crucial step) · yue 鑰匙 /钥匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · pap yabi (device designed to open and close a lock) · da tast (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ug ئاچقۇچ (device designed to open and close a lock) · be ключ (device designed to open and close a lock) · fi avain (crucial step) · kl matuersaat (device designed to open and close a lock) · sw ufungu (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · pt índice (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · sv morsenyckel (device used to transmit Morse code) · rhg sabi (device designed to open and close a lock) · bg клави́ш (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · zh 密鑰 /密钥 (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · so fure (device designed to open and close a lock) · rgn cêv (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru кла́виша (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · zdj mfunguo (crucial step) · lt raktas (device designed to open and close a lock) · af sleutel (device designed to open and close a lock) · nds Slœtel (device designed to open and close a lock) · cv ҫӑраҫҫи (device designed to open and close a lock) · nup egiyèkó (device designed to open and close a lock) · tts ประแจ (device designed to open and close a lock) · be кла́віша (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · wym śłysuł (device designed to open and close a lock) · hu kulcs (crucial step) · fa کِلید (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · fy kaai (device designed to open and close a lock) · ca tecla (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · yo kọ́kọ́rọ́ (device designed to open and close a lock) · id kunci (scale of musical notes) · sw ufungu (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · id kunci (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi chìa khoá (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · sw ufungu (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · fur clâf (device designed to open and close a lock) · it tasto (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · fi avain (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · gd meur (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · it chiave (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · ga gléas (scale of musical notes) · sv tonart (scale of musical notes) · rue ключ (device designed to open and close a lock) · zdj lakile (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کَلید (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ga eochair (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi mấu chốt (crucial step) · uk кно́пка (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · zh 匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · sl tipka (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · mk тоналите́т (scale of musical notes) · sco key (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi chìa khoá (crucial step) · vi chú dẫn (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · tr tuş (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · mr कळ (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fi sähkötysavain (device used to transmit Morse code) · yi קלאַוויש (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · id tombol (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · frp clâ (device designed to open and close a lock) · or ଚାବି (device designed to open and close a lock) · lzz ǩola (device designed to open and close a lock) · pms ciav (device designed to open and close a lock) · bn চাবি (device designed to open and close a lock) · pl klucz (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · gd meur (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · rup cljaie (device designed to open and close a lock) · tr anahtar (crucial step) · inh дӏоагӏа (device designed to open and close a lock) · mi patooro (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · enm keye (crucial step) · lt tonacija (scale of musical notes) · is lykill (crucial step) · cu ключь (device designed to open and close a lock) · nn tast (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · os дӕгъӕл (device designed to open and close a lock) · sv tangent (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · gd gleus (scale of musical notes) · ka გასაღები (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ne साचो (device designed to open and close a lock) · af sleutel (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · bh कुंजी (device designed to open and close a lock) · ka გასაღები (device designed to open and close a lock) · fr clé (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · ca tecla (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · it cruciale (crucial step) · km គន្លឹះ (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · se čoavdda (device designed to open and close a lock) · zh 鑰匙 /钥匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · io klavo (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · sk kľúč (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi chìa (device designed to open and close a lock) · ms kunci (device designed to open and close a lock) · de Schlüssel (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · he מַפְתֵּחַ (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · sv nyckel (crucial step) · zh 鍵 /键 (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · el κλειδί (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · ro cheie (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · th ลูกกุญแจ (device designed to open and close a lock) · vot võtti (device designed to open and close a lock) · shi ⵜⴰⵙⴰⵔⵓⵜ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ko 버튼 (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · hu billentyű (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ny kiyi (device designed to open and close a lock) · ota آناختار (device designed to open and close a lock) · sc ciai (device designed to open and close a lock) · ar مفتاح (device designed to open and close a lock) · kea txabi (device designed to open and close a lock) · el πλήκτρο (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · scn chiavi (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi chìa khoá (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · frr kai (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru ключ (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · nup giyèkó (device designed to open and close a lock) · fi avain (device designed to open and close a lock) · ig ìgòdó (device designed to open and close a lock) · zza kılit (diq) (device designed to open and close a lock) · zh 鎖匙 /锁匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · pt chave (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · oc clau (device designed to open and close a lock) · lo ຂໍກະແຈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · kok बीगातु (device designed to open and close a lock) · hi कुंजिका (device designed to open and close a lock) · tl susi (device designed to open and close a lock) · is tóntegund (scale of musical notes) · vo klav (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · lo ລູກກະແຈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ro clapă (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · ce догӏа (device designed to open and close a lock) · fi kiila (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · sq çelës (device designed to open and close a lock) · nn nykel (device designed to open and close a lock) · yai калит (device designed to open and close a lock) · vo kik (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کَلِید (device designed to open and close a lock) · fi avain (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ru тона́льность (scale of musical notes) · hu kulcs (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · ps کلۍ (device designed to open and close a lock) · mi pato (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fur clâv (device designed to open and close a lock) · uz kalit (device designed to open and close a lock) · ja キー (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · fr clef (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · kw alwheth (device designed to open and close a lock) · da nøgle (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ro cheie (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · cam kilé (device designed to open and close a lock) · fi avain (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · pa ਕੁੰਜੀ (device designed to open and close a lock) · pl klawisz (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · sw ufungu (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · sl tipka (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · hy բացատրագիր (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · pl legenda (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · ja ボタン (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · pdt Schlätel (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru клин (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · rup cljeai (device designed to open and close a lock) · hsb kluč (device designed to open and close a lock) · si යතුර (device designed to open and close a lock) · nup èkpé (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi bí quyết (crucial step) · lt raktas (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · zh 調 /调 (scale of musical notes) · et klahv (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · eu tekla (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · is takki (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · pt chave (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · fi kosketin (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · lb Schlëssel (device designed to open and close a lock) · cs tónina (scale of musical notes) · be кла́віш (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · fa کیلید (device designed to open and close a lock) · ar مُفْتاح (device designed to open and close a lock) · it chiave (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · el κλειδί (device designed to open and close a lock) · pt tecla (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · kmr kılit (device designed to open and close a lock) · alt кӱлӱч (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru леге́нда (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · kea xave (crucial step) · mfe lakle (device designed to open and close a lock) · gl tecla (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · khb ᦃᦸᦶᦈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · sl ključ (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · io klavo (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · pt chave (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · sd چاٻيِ (device designed to open and close a lock) · cjs килиш (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کَلید (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · bo ལྡེ་མིག (device designed to open and close a lock) · es llave (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru лад (scale of musical notes) · sv nyckel (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · ja 鍵 (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · ia clave (device designed to open and close a lock) · sh tȉpka (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · mk леге́нда (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · hu csap (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · gl tecla (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · he מַפְתֵּחַ (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · dsb kluc (device designed to open and close a lock) · gu કૂંચી (device designed to open and close a lock) · ro cheie (device designed to open and close a lock) · et võti (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · vec ciave (device designed to open and close a lock) · jje 게철쒜 (device designed to open and close a lock) · cdo 鎖匙 /锁匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · mk кла́виш (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · esu kelucaq (device designed to open and close a lock) · lv taustiņš (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · kw alhwedh (device designed to open and close a lock) · rsk ключ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ja 鍵 (device designed to open and close a lock) · es botón (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · izh avvain (device designed to open and close a lock) · nl sleutel (crucial step) · grc κλείς (device designed to open and close a lock) · bg леге́нда (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · vi phím (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ta திறவுகோல் (device designed to open and close a lock) · te బీగంచెవి (device designed to open and close a lock) · an clau (device designed to open and close a lock) · pl klucz (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · fi morseavain (device used to transmit Morse code) · af sleutel (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · jje 게철 (device designed to open and close a lock) · ff saabiwal (device designed to open and close a lock) · gan 鎖匙 /锁匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کَلید (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · sv nyckel (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · gl clave (crucial step) · cop ϣⲟϣϯ (device designed to open and close a lock) · mt ċavetta (device designed to open and close a lock) · el κλειδί (scale of musical notes) · uli kiy (device designed to open and close a lock) · am ቁልፍ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ta திறப்பு (device designed to open and close a lock) · ha mabuɗi (device designed to open and close a lock) · mk клуч (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · ab ацаҧха (device designed to open and close a lock) · tl susi (crucial step) · pt tecla (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ti መፍትሕ (device designed to open and close a lock) · khb ᦃᦸᦃᦶᦈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ko 조 (scale of musical notes) · uk кла́віша (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · yo kíì (device designed to open and close a lock) · wa clé (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کِلید (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · ja 鍵 (crucial step) · fr clef (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · oj aabaabika'igan (device designed to open and close a lock) · gv ogher (device designed to open and close a lock) · af sleutel (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · mk тастер (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fi avainkenttä (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · es cuña (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · kn ಬೀಗದ ಕೈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · da nøgle (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · ps چابي (device designed to open and close a lock) · hu kulcs (device designed to open and close a lock) · id tuts (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · ja キー (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · el πλήκτρο (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fa کَلید (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · fi salakirjoitusavain (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ko 건반 (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · udm нарва (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · sc ciae (device designed to open and close a lock) · bg шпо́нка (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · ota مفتاح (device designed to open and close a lock) · jje 열쒜 (device designed to open and close a lock) · cs klávesa (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · ga eochair (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · bg ключ (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · hwc key (device designed to open and close a lock) · be кно́пка (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · gv ogher (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · gu ચાવી (device designed to open and close a lock) · pox kľauc (device designed to open and close a lock) · mt muftieħ (device designed to open and close a lock) · sw ufungu (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · hy ստեղն (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · br alc'hwez (device designed to open and close a lock) · fr touche (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · cy maes allweddol (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · dlm cluf (device designed to open and close a lock) · wo caabi (device designed to open and close a lock) · yue 鎖匙 /锁匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · nl toonsoort (scale of musical notes) · mi pātuhi (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · nb nøkkel (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi phím (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · sv nyckel (device designed to open and close a lock) · fr touche (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · pam susi (device designed to open and close a lock) · sv nyckel (device used to transmit Morse code) · sh ди̑рка (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · cjy 鑰匙 /钥匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · eo ĉifroŝlosilo (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ist ciave (device designed to open and close a lock) · de Taste (device used to transmit Morse code) · nl toets (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · hu billentyű (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · da nøgle (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · et klahv (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · fi merkkienselite (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · fy kaai (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · cy cywair (scale of musical notes) · fi akselikiila (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · ofs sletel (device designed to open and close a lock) · lg lukulwe (device designed to open and close a lock) · km ប៊ូតុង (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · nn nøkkel (device designed to open and close a lock) · fy toets (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · it tasto telegrafico (device used to transmit Morse code) · fr clé (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · ru кно́пка (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · vi chìa khoá (device designed to open and close a lock) · es leyenda (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · haw kī (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi khoá (device designed to open and close a lock) · it chiave (scale of musical notes) · war yawi (device designed to open and close a lock) · ar مِفْتَاح (device designed to open and close a lock) · sw ufunguo (crucial step) · hu pecek (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · bg шпи́лка (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · sh кљу̑ч (device designed to open and close a lock) · pt chave (device designed to open and close a lock) · mnc ᠠᠨᠠᡴᡡ (device designed to open and close a lock) · fa کِلید (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · sv tangent (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · bcl lyabe (device designed to open and close a lock) · he מַפְתֵּחַ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ru шпо́нка (object used to maintain the orientation between two others) · es clave (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ast llave (device designed to open and close a lock) · lv atslēga (device designed to open and close a lock) · mk клуч (device designed to open and close a lock) · ga eochair (computing: field in a record used as a search argument) · ru ключ (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · pl tonacja (scale of musical notes) · syl ꠌꠣꠛꠤ (device designed to open and close a lock) · zh 鎖匙 /锁匙 (device designed to open and close a lock) · eo klavo (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · th ปุ่ม (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · de Schlüssel (device designed to open and close a lock) · hy բանալի (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · zh йүәсы (device designed to open and close a lock) · mk клуч (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · fa دُکْمِه (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · eu tekla (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · bg клави́ш (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · aii ܩܕܝܼܠܵܐ (device designed to open and close a lock) · bol mabuɗi (device designed to open and close a lock) · av кӏул (device designed to open and close a lock) · orv ключь (device designed to open and close a lock) · nb nøkkel (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · ja 調 (scale of musical notes) · he קְלִיד (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · mg lakile (device designed to open and close a lock) · cop ϣⲟⲩϣϯ (device designed to open and close a lock) · zh 圖例 /图例 (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · vi chìa khóa (computing: field of a database constrained to be unique) · ro legendă (small guide explaining symbols or terminology) · nl sleutel (cryptography: piece of information used to encode or decode) · li släötel (device designed to open and close a lock) · da tangent (part of a piano or musical keyboard) · pl klucz (device used to transmit Morse code) · gv gleaysh (scale of musical notes) · pt chave (crucial step) · cs klíč (computing: value uniquely identifying entry in associative array) · as চাবি (device designed to open and close a lock) · it chiave (device designed to open and close a lock) · zh 鍵 /键 (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · da nøgle (device designed to open and close a lock) · vi chìa khóa (crucial step) · ru ключ (device designed to open and close a lock) · ff tappirde (button on a typewriter or computer keyboard) · kn ಕೀಲಿಕೈ (device designed to open and close a lock) · rup cljae (device designed to open and close a lock)
From Middle English keye, kaye, keiȝe, from Old English cǣġ (“key, solution, experiment”) (whence also Scots key and kay (“key”)), from Anglo-Frisian Proto-West Germanic *kaiju, of uncertain origin. The only sure cognates are Saterland Frisian Koai (“key”), West Frisian kaai (“key”), and North Frisian kai, koie (“key”). Possibly from Proto-Germanic *kēgaz, *kēguz (“stake, post, pole”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵogʰ-, *ǵegʰ-, *ǵegʰn- (“branch, stake, bush”), which would make it cognate with Middle Low German kāk (“whipping post, pillory”), and perhaps to Middle Dutch keige (“javelin, spear”) and Middle Low German keie, keige (“spear”).
For the semantic development, note that medieval keys were simply long poles (ending in a hook) with which a crossbar obstructing a door from the inside could be removed from the outside, by lifting it through a hole in the door. Liberman has noted, however, "The original meaning of *kaig-jo- was presumably '*pin with a twisted end.' Words with the root *kai- followed by a consonant meaning 'crooked, bent; twisted' are common only in the North Germanic languages."
Meanings
To fit (a lock) with a key.
To fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key to maintain the orientation between them.
To mark or indicate with a symbol indicating membership in a class.
Talk about similarities between the words and write them below to the left of the anchor, keying them with a plus sign (+). Talk about the characteristics that set the words apart and list them below the box to the right, keying them with a tilde sign (~). 2002, Karen Bromley, Stretching Students' Vocabulary, →ISBN, page 12:
So I worked on a tissue-paper copy of the perimeter plan, outlining groupings of plants of the same species and keying them with letters for the species. 1996 January, Garden Dsign Ideas, second printing, Taunton Press, →ISBN, page 25:
The volume closes with thirty pages of "Notes, critical and explanatory," in which Thomson provides seventy-six longer or shorter notes keyed to specific sections of the synopsis. 2001, Bruce M. Metzger, The Bible in Translation, →ISBN, page 87:
2007, Stephen Blake Mettee, Michelle Doland, and Doris Hall, compilers, The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines, 6th ("2007–2008") edition, →ISBN, page 757,
Indicate the comparative value of each heading by keying it with a number in pencil, in the left margin, as follows: […]
To depress (a telegraph key).
To operate (the transmitter switch of a two-way radio).
(more usually to key in) To enter (information) by typing on a keyboard or keypad.
Our instructor told us to key in our user IDs.
(colloquial) To vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key.
He keyed the car that had taken his parking spot.
To link (as one might do with a key or legend).
The American Heart Association has prepared their own guide to classification and, keying it with the Standard Nomenclature of Diseases, have done much to encourage a concise yet complete diagnosis. 1960, Richard L. Masland, “Classification of the Epilepsies”, in Epilepsia, volume 1, page 516:
The workman's compensation system rests on incentives (premium payments) that are keyed to the immediate and relatively undeniable nature of injuries; […] 1976, Nicholas Askounes Ashford, Crisis in the Workplace: Occupational Disease and Injury, page 19:
It also features special issues on "Live Longer, Better, Wiser," men's health, women's health, and issues keyed to important "disease weeks." 2006, Deborah Blum, Mary Knudson, Robin Marantz Henig, A Field Guide for Science Writers: The Official Guide of the National Association of Science Writers, page 63:
(intransitive) To be identified as a certain taxon when using a key.
(transitive) To modify (an advertisement) so as to target a particular group or demographic.
Another popular way to key ads and mailings is to use a suite number, room number, department number, desk number, etc. as part of the ordering address. With a classified ad, using such a key may increase your ad cost. Why? Because you're using an extra word or two to key the ad. 1998, Mail Order Success Secrets:
Keying advertisements and counting the number of inquiries received or the number of coupons returned to indicate the "pulling power" of a particular piece of copy or the coverage of a particular advertising medium. 1936, John Freeman Pyle, Marketing Principles, Organization and Policies, page 711:
To attune to; to set at; to pitch.
To Ethel alone she addressed a stray remark, keyed below the sound of other voices. 1930, Norman Lindsay, Redheap, Sydney, N.S.W.: Ure Smith, →OCLC, page 23:
To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges.
they Mouldered and keyed the Portico Arches with Pieces of Stone, because Brick was not strong enough 1744, Roger North, The Life of the Honourable Sir Dudley North:
To prepare for plastering by adding the key (that part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and holds the rest in place).
To provide an arch with a keystone.
The last arch in the permanant ^([sic]) bridge was keyed on March 26, 1850, and a single track was brought into use for goods trains on July 20. 1950 September, “Centenary of the Royal Border Bridge”, in Railway Magazine, page 637:
(abbreviation, alt-of, clipping) Clipping of chromakey.
After keying the background, you’d be left with a transparent background, where you can install anything—from images to videos that blend seamlessly into the main subject of the shot. 2021 September 11, Anina Ot, “What Is a Green Screen and How Does It Work?”, in MakeUseOf:
hu karcol (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · fa قفل کردن (fit (a lock) with a key) · sw fungua (computing: enter (information)) · fi painaa avainta (telegraphy: depress (a telegraph key)) · fi raapia avaimella (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · vi gõ (computing: enter (information)) · tr anahtarla çizmek (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · hu kulccsal bezár (fit (a lock) with a key) · pt digitar (computing: enter (information)) · sw fungua (telegraphy: depress (a telegraph key)) · hu végigkarcol (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · fi näppäillä (computing: enter (information)) · fi varustaa kiilalla (fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key) · pt riscar (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · pt teclar (computing: enter (information)) · pl wprowadzać (computing: enter (information)) · sw fungua (fit (a lock) with a key) · hu rögzít (fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key) · es teclear (computing: enter (information)) · fi varustaa avaimella (fit (a lock) with a key) · mk внесува (computing: enter (information)) · fi kiiloittaa (fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key) · bg заключвам (fit (a lock) with a key) · is slá inn (computing: enter (information)) · hu kiékel (fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key) · bg заклинвам (fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key) · hu összekarcol (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · is lykla (vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key) · hu bezár (fit (a lock) with a key) · ru вводи́ть (computing: enter (information)) · fi syöttää (computing: enter (information)) · vi nhập (computing: enter (information)) · fi kirjoittaa (computing: enter (information)) · fi avaintaa (radio: operate (transmitter switch of a two-way radio)) · sw fungua (fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key) · sw fungua (radio: operate (transmitter switch of a two-way radio))
(slang) A kilogram, especially of a recreational drug.
So starting with ten keys of cocaine and two keys of heroin, Derrick put his plan in motion. Soon every major drug dealer and gang chief from Chicago Avenue to Evanston was in his pocket. 2010, David J. Silas, Da Block, page 41:
(qualifier:Australian rules football) A key position player (a tall forward or defender).
"It just means that one of them here and there will need to play on a small-to-medium forward (instead of Riewoldt) which is fine. Our keys are pretty agile." 2023 April 7, “'Bit of a surprise': Dogs bemused by Tigers' selection call”, in Australian Football League, retrieved 27 Jul 2025: