kiː
kiːtool for lock
1 a specially shaped piece of metal used for locking a door, starting a car, etcto insert/turn the key in the lockthe car keysa bunch of keysthe spare key to the front doorWe'll have a duplicate key cut (= made).There's a special key for winding up this clock.most important thing
2 [usually singular] a thing that makes you able to understand or achieve somethingSynonym
secretkey (to something) The key to success is preparation.key (to doing something) The driver of the car probably holds the key to solving the crime. (especially North American English) The key is, how long can the federal government control the inflation rate?on computer
3 any of the buttons that you press to operate a computer or typewriterPress the return key to enter the information.on musical instrument
4 any of the wooden or metal parts that you press to play a piano and some other musical instrumentsmusic
5 a set of related notes, based on a particular note. Pieces of music are usually written mainly using a particular keya sonata in the key of E flat majorThis piece changes key many times. compare scale noun (7)answers
6 a set of answers to exercises or problemsCheck your answers in the key at the back of the book.on map
7 an explanation of the symbols used on a map or planIdioms
see under lock and key at lock noun