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key
1 a: a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned b: any of various devices having the form or function of such a key2 a: a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control b: an instrumental or deciding factor3 a: something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution <the key to a riddle> b: a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations c: an aid to interpretation or identification : clue d: an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification e: a map legend4 a
(1): cotter pin
(2): cotter b: a keystone in an arch c: a small piece of wood or metal used as a wedge or for preventing motion between parts5 a: one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tones b: a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument c: a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard6: samara7: a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic <the key of G major>8 a: characteristic style or tone b: the tone or pitch of a voice c: the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness9: a decoration or charm resembling a key10: a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit <a telegraph key>11: the set of instructions governing the encipherment and decipherment of messages12: a free-throw area in basketball
— keyed
\ˈkēd\
adjective
— key·less
\ˈkē-ləs\
adjective
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