key

noun

1. metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

2. a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

3. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

Synonym: keystoneheadstone

4. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

Synonym: winder

5. pitch of the voice

e.g. he spoke in a low key

6. something crucial for explaining

e.g. the key to development is economic integration

7. a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access

e.g. a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it

8. a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

9. a list of answers to a test

e.g. some students had stolen the key to the final exam

10. any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

Synonym: tonality

11. (basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court
usually painted a different color from the rest of the court

e.g. he hit a jump shot from the top of the key
he dominates play in the paint

Synonym: paint

12. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

Synonym: cayFlorida key

13. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

Synonym: samarakey fruit

14. a kilogram of a narcotic drug

e.g. they were carrying two keys of heroin

verb

1. harmonize with or adjust to

e.g. key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude

2. regulate the musical pitch of

3. identify as in botany or biology, for example

Synonym: identifydiscoverkey outdistinguishdescribename

4. vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key

e.g. His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot

5. provide with a key

e.g. We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building

adj

1. serving as an essential component

e.g. a cardinal rule
the central cause of the problem
an example that was fundamental to the argument
computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure

Synonym: cardinalcentralfundamentalprimal

1. 钥匙
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle.

key是什么意思

e.g. They put the key in the door and entered...
他们用钥匙打开门进去了。
e.g. She reached for her coat and car keys.
她伸手拿外套和汽车钥匙。

2. （计算机或打字机的）键
The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it.

3. （钢琴或风琴的）键
The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it.

4. （音乐的）调
In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note.

e.g. ...the key of A minor.
A小调

5. （地图、图解或科技书籍的）略语表，符号表，凡例
The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings.

key

e.g. You will find a key at the front of the book.
你会在书的前面找到略语表。

6. 最重要的；关键的
The key person or thing in a group is the most important one.

key的近义词

e.g. He is expected to be the key witness at the trial...
他将成为审判的关键证人。
e.g. Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.
在下届选举中教育可能成为最重要的一个议题。

7. 关键；要诀
The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved.

e.g. The key to success is to be ready from the start...
成功的关键在于从一开始就要准备充分。
e.g. Diet and relaxation are two important keys to good health.
限制饮食和放松身心是保持健康的两个要诀。

8. see also: master key
under lock and key -> see lock

相关词组：key in

1. key的近义词

1. 关键帧：熟悉后期特效特效软件After Effect的操作界面;掌握合成中基本的图层(layer)、通道(channel)、关键帧(key)等;熟悉After Effect软件的功能;理解电影、电视、动态图形制作、影视制作等各种项目的工作流程.

2. key：k; 键