key

key1 [ ki ] noun count ***

▸ 1 for opening/locking

▸ 2 for achieving something

▸ 3 on computer/instrument

▸ 4 in music

▸ 5 list of meanings/answers

1. ) a small piece of metal used for opening or locking a door or a container, or for starting the motor of a vehicle:

I could hear someone turning the key in the lock.

a bunch of keys

house/car keys

key to: Where's the key to the back door?

2. ) usually singular the thing that will do most to help you achieve something:

key to: Proper planning is the key to success.

The key to our strength lies in our members.

3. ) one of the parts that you press on a keyboard to make it produce letters, numbers, etc.:

Highlight the file you want to open and press the RETURN key.

a ) one of the parts that you press on a musical instrument to make it produce sounds:

piano keys

4. ) a set of musical notes that are based on one particular note:

a major/minor key

a piece written in the key of C

5. ) a list of signs and their meanings, for example a list of the signs that are used on a map, drawing, etc.

a ) a list of answers to the questions in a test or in a book

=> LOCK 2 1B

key

key 2 [ ki ] adjective usually before noun ***

very important:

Foreign policy had been a key issue in the campaign.

This economic model has the following key features.

The Steelers have lost two key players because of injuries.

key

key 3 [ ki ] verb transitive

key or key in to put information into a computer or other electronic machine using keys or a keyboard:

The data will need to be keyed immediately.

I don't have time to key it all in.

`key to phrasal verb transitive usually passive

key something to something to change something so that it is appropriate for a particular purpose:

He said the peace process should not be keyed to disarmament.