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单词 key
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key

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key

(kiː)
Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense keys, present participle keying, past tense, past participle keyed
1. countable noun
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order toopen or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle.
They put the key in the door and entered. [+ in]
She reached for her coat and car keys.
Synonyms: opener, door key, latchkey More Synonyms of key
2. countable noun [usually plural]
The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operateit.
3. countable noun [usually plural]
The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order toplay it.
4. variable noun
In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note.
...the key of A minor. [+ of]
Synonyms: tone, sound, pitch, timbre More Synonyms of key
5. countable noun
The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings.
You will find a key at the front of the book.
Synonyms: guide, explanation, interpretation, indicator More Synonyms of key
6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
The key person or thing in a group is the most important one.
He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.
Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.
7. countable noun
The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved.
The key to success is to be ready from the start. [+ to]
Diet and relaxation are two important keys to good health.
Synonyms: answer, means, secret, solution More Synonyms of key
8.  See also master key
9.  under lock and key
Phrasal verbs:
See key in
More Synonyms of key

key in British English 1

(kiː)
noun
1. 
a metal instrument, usually of a specifically contoured shape, that is made to fit a lock and, when rotated, operates the lock's mechanism
2. 
any instrument that is rotated to operate a valve, clock winding mechanism, etc
3. 
a small metal peg or wedge inserted into keyways
4. 
any of a set of buttons operating a computer, typewriter, telephone, etc
5. 
any of the visible parts of the lever mechanism of a musical keyboard instrument that when depressed set in motion the action that causes the instrument to sound
6. 
a.  Also called: tonality
any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework
b. 
the main tonal centre in an extended composition
a symphony in the key of F major
c. 
the tonic of a major or minor scale
d.  tuning key
7. 
something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation
the key to adult behaviour lies in childhood
8. 
a means of achieving a desired end
the key to happiness
9. 
a means of access or control
Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean
10. 
a list of explanations of symbols, codes, etc
11. 
a text that explains or gives information about a work of literature, art, or music
12.  Also called: key move
the correct initial move in the solution of a set problem
13.  biology
a systematic list of taxonomic characteristics, used to identify animals or plants
14.  photography, painting
the dominant tonal value and colour intensity of a picture
See also low-key (sense 3), high-key
15.  electrical engineering
a. 
a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits
b. 
a hand-operated switch that is pressed to transmit coded signals, esp Morse code
16. 
the grooving or scratching of a surface or the application of a rough coat of plaster, etc, to provide a bond for a subsequent finish
17. 
pitch
he spoke in a low key
18. 
a characteristic mood or style
a poem in a melancholic key
19. 
level of intensity
she worked herself up to a high key
20.  railways
a wooden wedge placed between a rail and a chair to keep the rail firmly in place
21. 
a wedge for tightening a joint or for splitting stone or timber
22.  short for keystone (sense 1)
23.  botany
any dry winged fruit, esp that of the ash
24. (modifier) photography
determining the tonal value of a photograph
flesh colour is an important key tone
adjective
25. 
of great importance; crucial
a key issue
verb (mainly tr)
26. (foll by to)
to harmonize (with)
to key one's actions to the prevailing mood
27. 
to adjust or fasten with a key or some similar device
28. 
to provide with a key or keys
29. 
to scratch the paintwork of (a car) with a key
30. (often foll by up)
to locate the position of (a piece of copy, artwork, etc) on a layout by the use of symbols
31. (also intr) another word for keyboard (sense 3)
32. 
to include a distinguishing device in (an advertisement, etc), so that responses to it can be identified
33. 
to provide a keystone for (an arch)
Derived forms
keyless (ˈkeyless)
adjective
Word origin
Old English cǣg; related to Old Frisian kēi, Middle Low German keie spear

key in British English 2

(kiː)
noun
a variant spelling of cay

Key in British English

(kiː)
noun
John (Phillip). born 1961, New Zealand politician; prime minister (2008–16)

Key in American English

(ki)
Francis Scott1779-1843; U.S. lawyer: wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”

key in American English 1

(ki)
nounWord forms: plural keys
1. 
an instrument, usually of metal, for moving the bolt of a lock and thus locking or unlocking something
2. 
any of several instruments or mechanical devices resembling or suggesting this in form or use
; specif.,
a. 
a device to turn a bolt, etc.
a skate key, a watch key
b. 
a pin, bolt, wedge, cotter, or similar device put into a hole or space to lock or hold parts together
c. 
something that completes or holds together the parts of another thing, as the keystoneof an arch or a roughened surface forming a secure base for plaster
d. 
any of a set of levers, or the disks, buttons, etc. connected to them, pressed down in operating a piano, accordion, clarinet, typewriter, linotype, word processor, etc.
e. 
a device for opening or closing an electric circuit
f. 
a small metal piece for fastening a wheel, pulley, etc. to a shaft
g. 
a key-shaped emblem presented as an honor
the key to the city
3. 
something regarded as like a key in opening or closing a way, revealing or concealing, etc.
; specif.,
a. 
a place so located as to give access to or control of a region
Vicksburg was the key to the lower Mississippi
b. 
a thing that explains or solves something else, as a book of answers, the explanations on a map, the code to a system of pronunciation, etc.
c. 
a controlling or essential person or thing
4. 
tone of voice; pitch
5. 
a. 
tone or style of thought or expression
in a cheerful key
b. 
relative intensity of feeling
low-key remarks on a volatile subject
6. 
the tone of a picture with regard to lightness or darkness or intensity of color
7.  US, Basketball
either of the marked or painted areas on the court near each basket, extending from the end line to the top of the circle that surrounds the foul line
8.  Biology
an arrangement or listing of the significant characteristics of a group of organisms, used as a guide for taxonomic identification
9.  Botany
key fruit
10.  Computing
a field in a record, used to uniquely identify that record
11.  Music
a.  Obsolete
the keynote of a scale
b. 
a system of related notes or tones based on and named after a certain note (keynote, tonic) and forming a given scale; tonality
c. 
the main tonality of a composition
adjective
12. 
controlling; essential; important
a key position
verb transitiveWord forms: keyed or ˈkeying
13. 
to fasten or lock with a key or wedge
14. 
to furnish with a key
; specif.,
a. 
to put the keystone in (an arch)
b. 
to provide with an explanatory key
15. 
to regulate the tone or pitch of
16. 
to bring into harmony or accord
17. 
keyboard
Idioms:
key in
key (in) on
key up
Word origin
ME keye < OE cæge, akin to OFris kei, kēia, to secure, guard; (sense 7) < keyhole, its former shape

key in American English 2

(ki)
nounWord forms: plural keys
a reef or low island
Word origin
Sp cayo: sp. infl. by key1 & earlier key (quay)

key in American English 3

(ki)
noun
Slang
a kilogram (of marijuana or a narcotic drug)
Word origin
< pronun. of 1st syllable of Sp kilogramo, kilogram

Image of
key

picture of Key
© 24/04/2018, Shutterstock

Examples of 'key' in a sentence
key

That has come against a backdrop of injuries to key players.
The Sun (2016)
This time they need to be under lock and key.
The Sun (2016)
The identity of the scrum coach is one key appointment that remains unknown.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The biggest of these is the casting of inexperienced actors in the key roles.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She said that mealtimes were a key factor.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The police gave us a crime number but it emerged the burglars gained access by using a front door key.
The Sun (2016)
 Education is the key to saving a generation of Syrians from despair and permanent disadvantage.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The key thing to note is that they really aren't scary to wear.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The way this worked in WWI was the telephone was the key instrument in the war.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
There are also concerns about weak spots in the steel reactor pressure vessel at Flamanville - a key piece of equipment which houses the reactor.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is a major key to understanding the story.
Christianity Today (2000)
You had a key and you locked the door.
Stanko, Elizabeth Everyday Violence (1990)
It is why it is one of the key elements of my method.
Jan Fennell, Foreword by Monty Roberts THE DOG LISTENER: Learning the Language of your Best Friend (2002)
Who are the key players and how do they spend it all?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
But the two workers are now considered potential key witnesses.
The Sun (2013)
The results could provide key insights into how comets contributed to those beginnings.
The Sun (2014)
But the body is also the key instrument in the art form of interior design.
Abercrombie, Stanley A Philosophy of Interior Design (1990)
Both play key roles in their regions.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This issue is key to future economic growth as well as fairness between the generations.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
There are some items in a more minor key.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The key opens the door to a secret rose garden.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This time concentration was the important key.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
What it was like was when you press too many keys on your keyboard and it freezes.
The Sun (2013)
It is like sticking a close copy of a key into a lock.
Pantano, James A. (MD) Living with Angina (1991)
We want key pieces that you come back to.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He can be England's key man.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
 Diet plays a key role, and you're right to think that calcium is one of the most important components.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)

Word lists with
key

terms used in botany

In other languages
key

British English: key /kiː/ NOUN
computer, instrument The keys on a computer or instrument are the buttons that you press on it.
  • American English: key computer
  • Arabic: مِفْتَاحٌ
  • Brazilian Portuguese: tecla
  • Chinese: 按键
  • Croatian: tipka
  • Czech: klávesa
  • Danish: tast
  • Dutch: toets muziek/computer
  • European Spanish: clave
  • Finnish: näppäin
  • French: touche
  • German: Taste
  • Greek: πλήκτρο
  • Italian: tasto
  • Japanese: キー music/computer
  • Korean: 키 자물쇠
  • Norwegian: tangent
  • Polish: klawisz muzyka/komputer
  • European Portuguese: tecla
  • Romanian: tastă
  • Russian: клавиша
  • Latin American Spanish: tecla
  • Swedish: knapp tangent
  • Thai: ปุ่ม
  • Turkish: tuş bilgisayar/piyano
  • Ukrainian: клавіша
  • Vietnamese: phím
British English: key /kiː/ NOUN
for lock A key is a piece of metal that opens or closes a lock.
They put the key in the door and it opened.
  • American English: key for lock
  • Arabic: مِفْتَاحٌ
  • Brazilian Portuguese: chave
  • Chinese: 钥匙
  • Croatian: ključ
  • Czech: klíč
  • Danish: nøgle
  • Dutch: sleutel
  • European Spanish: llave
  • Finnish: avain
  • French: clé serrure
  • German: Schlüssel
  • Greek: κλειδί
  • Italian: chiave
  • Japanese: 鍵 for lock
  • Korean: 열쇠
  • Norwegian: nøkkel
  • Polish: klucz do zamykania
  • European Portuguese: chave
  • Romanian: cheie
  • Russian: ключ
  • Latin American Spanish: llave
  • Swedish: nyckel
  • Thai: กุญแจ
  • Turkish: anahtar kilit
  • Ukrainian: ключ
  • Vietnamese: chìa khóa
British English: key ADJECTIVE
The key person or thing in a group is the most important one.
He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.
  • American English: key
  • Brazilian Portuguese: mais importante
  • Chinese: 关键的
  • European Spanish: clave
  • French: clé
  • German: wichtigste
  • Italian: chiave
  • Japanese: 重要な
  • Korean: 핵심의
  • European Portuguese: mais importante
  • Latin American Spanish: clave

All related terms of 'key'

key in
If you key something in , you put information into a computer or you give the computer a particular instruction by typing the information or instruction on the keyboard.
key up
to raise the intensity, excitement , tension , etc, of
on key
in the right key
hex key
an L-shaped tool consisting of a rod having a hexagonal cross section , used to turn a screw ( Allen screw ) with a hexagonal recess in the head. A different size of key is required for each size of screw
hot key
A hot key is a key, or a combination of keys, on a computer keyboard that you can press in order to make something happen , without having to type the full instructions .
low-key
If you say that something is low-key , you mean that it is on a small scale rather than involving a lot of activity or being made to seem impressive or important.
nut key
a tool for extracting a nut , chock , etc, from a crack after use
off key
When music is off-key , it is not in tune.
tab key
on a computer or typewriter keyboard , the key you press to move forward along a line for a few spaces at a time
USB key
a small portable memory device that can be plugged into the USB port of many different types of computer
Allen key
an L-shaped tool consisting of a rod having a hexagonal cross section, used to turn a screw ( Allen screw ) with a hexagonal recess in the head. A different size of key is required for each size of screw
dead key
a key on the keyboard of a typewriter which does not automatically advance the carriage when depressed
hash key
the # key on a keyboard or keypad
high-key
(of a photograph , painting , etc) having a predominance of light grey tones or light colours
key-bugle
a bugle that has keys to make it possible to play a chromatic scale
key card
A key card is a small plastic card which you can use instead of a key to open a door or barrier , for example in some hotels and car parks .
key club
a private nightclub , restaurant , or cafe , to which each member has a key
key drive
a very small, portable storage device that plugs into a computer and facilitates moving data between machines
key fruit
a dry, winged fruit, as of the maple , ash , or elm , containing the seed or seeds; samara
key grip
the person in charge of moving and setting up camera tracks and scenery in a film or television studio
Key Largo
largest island of the Florida Keys : c. 40 sq mi (104 sq km)
key light
the main stage or studio light that gives the required overall intensity of illumination
key money
a fee payment required from a new tenant of a house or flat before moving in
key move
the correct initial move in the solution of a set problem
key point
A point is a detail, aspect , or quality of something or someone.
key punch
a device having a keyboard that is operated manually to transfer data onto punched cards , paper tape , etc
key ring
A key ring is a metal ring which you use to keep your keys together. You pass the ring through the holes in your keys.
key stage
any one of four broad age-group divisions (5–7; 7–11; 11–14; 14–16) to which each level of the National Curriculum applies
key theme
A theme in an artist's work or in a work of literature is an idea in it that the artist or writer develops or repeats .
key trend
A trend is a change or development towards something new or different.
Key West
westernmost island of the Florida Keys : c. 4 mi (6.4 km) long
major key
a key based upon the major scale
minor key
a key based on notes taken from a corresponding minor scale
prong key
a key or spanner with two prongs or projections which engage corresponding holes in the face of a nut or component to be turned for tightening , adjustment , etc
room key
A room key is a key given to a guest in a hotel in order to open or lock the door of their room.
shift key
a key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used to type capital letters and certain numbers and symbols
church key
a device with a triangular point at one end for making holes in the tops of cans
command key
(on a computer keyboard ) a key used when executing commands
control key
a key on the keyboard of a computer that is used in conjunction with the standard keys in order to initiate a specific function, such as editing
escape key
a key on a computer keyboard used to leave a computer-program sequence before its end, in order to commence another sequence
feather key
a rectangular key connecting the keyways of a shaft and a hub of a gear , pulley , etc., fastened in one keyway and free to slide in the other so that the hub can drive or be driven by the shaft at various positions along it
key element
The different elements of something are the different parts it contains.
key message
The message that someone is trying to communicate , for example in a book or play, is the idea or point that they are trying to communicate.
key moment
A particular moment is the point in time at which something happens .
key player
The key players in a particular organization , event , or situation are the most important people or things involved in it.
key reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
key sector
A particular sector of a country's economy is the part connected with that specified type of industry.
key worker
an employee in any of a number of public-sector professions considered to be essential to society, for example teachers , police officers, health workers , etc
master key
A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.
return key
the key on a keyboard which moves the cursor to the next line

Chinese translation of 'key'

key

(kiː)

n (c)

  1. (for lock, mechanism) 钥(鑰)匙 (yàoshi) (把, bǎ)
  2. [of computer, typewriter, piano] 键(鍵) (jiàn) (个(個), gè)
  3. (Mus) 调(調) (diào)
  4. the key (to sth) (to success, victory, peace, mystery) (某事的)关(關)键(鍵) ((mǒushì de) guānjiàn)

adj

  1. [issue, factor etc] 关(關)键(鍵)的 (guānjiàn de)

vt

  1. (also key in) 输(輸)入 (shūrù)
    to hold the key to sth 掌握某事的关(關)键(鍵) (zhǎngwò mǒushì de guānjiàn)
    the key to doing sth 做某事的关(關)键(鍵) (zuò mǒushì de guānjiàn)

All related terms of 'key'

key ring
钥(鑰)匙环(環) yàoshihuán [ 个(個) gè ]
the key to doing sth
做某事的关(關)键(鍵) zuò mǒushì de guānjiàn
to hold the key to sth
掌握某事的关(關)键(鍵) zhǎngwò mǒushì de guānjiàn
the key to the front door
前门(門)的钥(鑰)匙 qiánmén de yàoshi
you can open the door with this key
你可以用这(這)把钥(鑰)匙开(開)门(門) nǐ kěyǐ yòng zhè bǎ yàoshi kāi mén
the key (to sth)
( to success, victory, peace, mystery ) (某事的)关(關)键(鍵) (mǒushì de) guānjiàn
1 (noun) 
Definition
a specially shaped metal instrument for moving the bolt of a lock so as to lock or unlock a door, suitcase, etc.
She reached for her coat and car keys.
Synonyms
opener
door key
latchkey
2 (noun) 
Definition
a scale of musical notes that starts at one specific note
the key of A minor
Synonyms
tone
He spoke in a low tone to her.
sound
Peter heard the sound of gunfire.
pitch
He raised his voice to a higher pitch.
timbre
His voice had a deep timbre.
modulation
3 (noun) 
Definition
something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation
You will find a key at the start of the book.
Synonyms
guide
Our only guide was the stars overhead.
explanation
his lucid explanation of the mysteries of cricket
interpretation
the interpretation of the scriptures
indicator
The number of wells is a fair indicator of the demand for water.
translation
his excellent English translation of `Faust'
glossary
4 (noun) 
Definition
a means of achieving a desired end
The key to success is to be ready from the start.
Synonyms
answer
means
secret
The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing.
solution
the ability to sort out effective solutions to practical problems
path
formula
passage
clue
Scientists have discovered a clue that may unlock the puzzle.
a vital clue to the killer's identity
cue
pointer
Sunday's elections should be a pointer to the public mood.
sign
(modifier) 
Definition
of great importance
He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.
Synonyms
essential
leading
major
main
important
chief
necessary
basic
vital
crucial
principal
fundamental
decisive
indispensable
pivotal
must-have
lead
Opposites
minor
,
secondary
,
subsidiary
,
superficial

Additional synonyms

in the sense of clue
Definition
something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
Scientists have discovered a clue that may unlock the puzzle.a vital clue to the killer's identity
Synonyms
indication,
lead,
sign,
evidence,
tip,
suggestion,
trace,
hint,
suspicion,
pointer,
tip-off,
inkling,
intimation
in the sense of explanation
Definition
a detailed account or description
his lucid explanation of the mysteries of cricket
Synonyms
description,
report,
definition,
demonstration,
teaching,
resolution,
interpretation,
illustration,
clarification,
exposition,
simplification,
explication,
elucidation
in the sense of indicator
Definition
something that acts as a sign or indication
The number of wells is a fair indicator of the demand for water.
Synonyms
sign,
mark,
measure,
guide,
display,
index,
signal,
symbol,
meter,
gauge,
marker,
benchmark,
pointer,
signpost,
barometer

Synonyms of 'key'

key

Explore 'key' in the dictionary

Additional synonyms

in the sense of interpretation
Definition
the act or result of interpreting or explaining
the interpretation of the scriptures
Synonyms
reading,
study,
review,
version,
analysis,
explanation,
examination,
diagnosis,
evaluation,
exposition,
exegesis,
explication,
elucidation
in the sense of pitch
Definition
the highness or lowness of a note in relation to other notes
He raised his voice to a higher pitch.
Synonyms
tone,
sound,
key,
frequency,
timbre,
modulation
in the sense of pointer
Definition
something that is a helpful indicator of how a situation has arisen or may turn out
Sunday's elections should be a pointer to the public mood.
Synonyms
indication,
lead,
sign,
evidence,
signal,
suggestion,
symptom,
hint,
implication,
clue,
indicator,
inkling,
intimation
in the sense of secret
Definition
an underlying explanation or reason
The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing.
Synonyms
key,
answer,
formula,
recipe
in the sense of solution
Definition
the act or process of solving a problem
the ability to sort out effective solutions to practical problems
Synonyms
answer,
resolution,
key,
result,
solving,
explanation,
unfolding,
unravelling,
clarification,
explication,
elucidation
in the sense of sound
Definition
anything that can be heard
Peter heard the sound of gunfire.
Synonyms
noise,
racket,
din,
report,
tone,
bang,
resonance,
hubbub,
reverberation
in the sense of timbre
Definition
the distinctive quality of sound produced by a particular voice or musical instrument
His voice had a deep timbre.
Synonyms
tone,
sound,
ring,
resonance,
colour,
tonality,
tone colour,
quality of sound
in the sense of translation
Definition
a piece of writing or speech that has been translated into another language
his excellent English translation of `Faust'
Synonyms
interpretation,
version,
rendering,
gloss,
rendition,
decoding,
transcription,
paraphrase,
transliteration
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