key
     adj 1: serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the
            central cause of the problem"; "an example that was
            fundamental to the argument"; "computers are
            fundamental to modern industrial structure" [syn: {cardinal},
             {central}, {fundamental}, {primal}]
     2: effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word"
        [syn: {operative}]
     n 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: something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is
        economic integration"
     3: pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"
     4: any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the
        tonal framework for a piece of music [syn: {tonality}]
        [ant: {atonality}]
     5: a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys
        of heroin"
     6: a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or
        elm or maple [syn: {samara}, {key fruit}]
     7: United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after
        witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War
        of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The
        Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843) [syn: {Francis Scott Key}]
     8: a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida [syn: {cay},
        {Florida keys}]
     9: (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; "he
        hit a jump shot from the top of the key"; "he dominates
        play in the paint" [syn: {paint}]
     10: a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the
         key to the final exam"
     11: a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or
         abbreviations
     12: a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the
         holder to a means of access; "a safe-deposit box usually
         requires two keys to open it"
     13: mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven
         by a spring (as a clock) [syn: {winder}]
     14: the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
         [syn: {keystone}, {headstone}]
     15: a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed
     v 1: identify as in botany or biology, for example [syn: {identify},
           {discover}, {key out}, {distinguish}, {describe}, {name}]
     2: provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were
        changed in the building"
     3: vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new
        Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"
     4: regulate the musical pitch of
     5: harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the
        voters' prevailing attitude"
Source: WordNet® 2.0