Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - key

(keys, keying, keyed) Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English. 1. 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. They put the key in the door and entered... N-COUNT 2. The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it. N-COUNT: usu pl 3. The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it. N-COUNT: usu pl 4. In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note. ...the key of A minor. N-VAR 5. 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. N-COUNT 6. The key person or thing in a group is the most important one. He is expected to be the key witness at the trial... ADJ: ADJ n 7. 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... N-COUNT: usu N to n 8. see also master key