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1 definition found

From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:

  key
      adj 1: serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule";
             "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was
             fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental
             to modern industrial structure" [syn: {cardinal},
             {central}, {fundamental}, {key}, {primal}]
      n 1: metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted
           into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be
           rotated
      2: something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is
         economic integration"
      3: pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"
      4: any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the
         tonal framework for a piece of music [syn: {key}, {tonality}]
         [ant: {atonalism}, {atonality}]
      5: a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys
         of heroin"
      6: a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or
         elm or maple [syn: {samara}, {key fruit}, {key}]
      7: 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) [syn: {Key}, {Francis Scott
         Key}]
      8: a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida [syn: {key},
         {cay}, {Florida key}]
      9: (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"; "he dominates play in the
         paint" [syn: {key}, {paint}]
      10: a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the
          key to the final exam"
      11: a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or
          abbreviations
      12: 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"
      13: mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven
          by a spring (as a clock) [syn: {winder}, {key}]
      14: the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
          [syn: {keystone}, {key}, {headstone}]
      15: a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when
          depressed
      v 1: identify as in botany or biology, for example [syn:
           {identify}, {discover}, {key}, {key out}, {distinguish},
           {describe}, {name}]
      2: provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were
         changed in the building"
      3: vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new
         Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
      4: regulate the musical pitch of
      5: harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the
         voters' prevailing attitude"

Source : WordNet ® Princeton University. 2010.