Keys: meaning, definitions and examples

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keys

[ kiːz ]

^{Context #1}

security

A small metal instrument specially cut to fit into a lock and move its bolt.

Synonyms

door opener, lock opener, passkey

Examples of usage

I couldn't find my keys, so I had to call a locksmith.
She always carries her keys in her purse.

^{Context #2}

computing

A field in a database table that is used to establish a relationship with another table.

Synonyms

identifier, index, link

Examples of usage

The primary and foreign keys are essential for maintaining database integrity.
You need to match the keys in both tables to perform a successful join operation.

^{Context #3}

music

The system of notes or tones based on and named after the key in which a piece of music is written.

Synonyms

pitch, scale, tonality

Examples of usage

The song is in the key of C major.
He can easily identify the key of a song just by listening to it.

Translations

Translations of the word "keys" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chaves

🇮🇳 चाबियाँ

🇩🇪 Schlüssel

🇮🇩 kunci

🇺🇦 ключі

🇵🇱 klucze

🇯🇵 鍵 (かぎ)

🇫🇷 clés

🇪🇸 llaves

🇹🇷 anahtarlar

🇰🇷 열쇠들

🇸🇦 مفاتيح

🇨🇿 klíče

🇸🇰 kľúče

🇨🇳 钥匙 (yàoshi)

🇸🇮 ključi

🇮🇸 lyklar

🇰🇿 кілттер

🇬🇪 გასაღებები

🇦🇿 açarlar

🇲🇽 llaves

Word origin

The word 'keys' has multiple origins. In the case of a small metal instrument to open a lock, it comes from Old English 'cǣg', of Germanic origin. The computing meaning derives from the concept of a 'key' that uniquely identifies a record, originating in the 1950s. In music, 'key' refers to the tonal center of a piece, with its roots in Latin 'clavis'.