Key: meaning, definitions and examples

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key

[ kiː ]

^{Context #1}

security

A small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, and that is inserted into the lock and turned to open or close it.

Synonyms

combination, master key, passkey

Examples of usage

Locksmiths use various types of keys to open different locks.
She fumbled in her bag for the house key.
He turned the key in the lock and opened the door.

^{Context #2}

information

A word or phrase that provides a means of access to a computer system or other information.

Synonyms

access code, passcode, password

Examples of usage

You need to enter your username and password to access the account.
Make sure to keep your keys secure to protect your sensitive information.

^{Context #3}

music

A button pressed to select a function on an electronic device.

Synonyms

button, control, switch

Examples of usage

She pressed the key to change the instrument sound on the keyboard.
The musician used different keys to create a variety of tones.

Translations

Translations of the word "key" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chave

tecla
chave de fenda
chave de fenda (informática)

🇮🇳 चाबी

कुंजी
कुंजिका
कुंजी (कंप्यूटर)

🇩🇪 Schlüssel

Taste
Schlüssel (Informatik)

🇮🇩 kunci

tombol
kunci (komputer)

🇺🇦 ключ

клавіша
ключ (інформатика)

🇵🇱 klucz

klawisz
klucz (informatyka)

🇯🇵 鍵 (かぎ)

キー
キー (コンピュータ)

🇫🇷 clé

touche
clé (informatique)

🇪🇸 llave

tecla
clave (informática)

🇹🇷 anahtar

tuş
anahtar (bilgisayar)

🇰🇷 열쇠

키
키 (컴퓨터)

🇸🇦 مفتاح

زر
مفتاح (معلوماتية)

🇨🇿 klíč

klávesa
klíč (informatika)

🇸🇰 kľúč

klávesa
kľúč (informatika)

🇨🇳 钥匙 (yàoshi)

键 (jiàn)
键 (计算机)

🇸🇮 ključ

tipka
ključ (informatika)

🇮🇸 lykill

takki
lykill (tölvu)

🇰🇿 кілт

перне
кілт (ақпараттық)

🇬🇪 გასაღები

ღილაკი
გასაღები (ინფორმატიკა)

🇦🇿 açar

düymə
açar (informatika)

🇲🇽 llave

tecla
clave (informática)

Word origin

The word 'key' originated from the Old English word 'cǣg', which is of Germanic origin. The meaning of 'key' has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of contexts, from physical objects used to unlock doors to digital access credentials. The concept of a key has long been associated with security and access, playing a crucial role in everyday life. In music, a key refers to a group of notes based on a particular scale, influencing the overall tonality of a piece. The versatility and importance of keys make them an integral part of various aspects of human activity.