key

名词 key:

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
3. pitch of the voice
4. any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
   同义词：tonality
5. a kilogram of a narcotic drug
6. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
   同义词：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)
   同义词：Francis Scott Key
8. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
   同义词：cay, Florida key
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
   同义词：paint
10. a list of answers to a test
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
13. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
    同义词：winder
14. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
    同义词：keystone, headstone
15. a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed

动词 key:

1. identify as in botany or biology, for example
   同义词：identify, discover, key out, distinguish, describe, name
2. provide with a key
3. vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key
4. regulate the musical pitch of
5. harmonize with or adjust to

形容词 key:

1. serving as an essential component
   同义词：cardinal, central, fundamental, primal
2. effective; producing a desired effect
   同义词：operative

1. Gently sand the plastic to provide a key for the paint.
   用砂纸在塑料上轻轻打磨出粗糙面以便涂颜料。
2. She keyed in all the new data.
   她键入了所有的新数据。
3. He put the key in the lock and turned it.
   他把钥匙插入锁里转动。
4. Do you know the key to the problem?
   你知道这道题的答案吗？
5. He is a key witness in this case.
   在这个案件中，他是一个主要见证人。

key

n.（名词）
【复数】 keys

A notched and grooved, usually metal implement that is turned to open or close a lock.
钥匙：有沟槽的一种金属工具，用于开或锁住锁
A similar device used for opening or winding:
钥匙：用于开或旋转的类似装置：
例句：
the key of a clock; a can that has a key attached.
闹钟上发条的钥匙；配有钥匙的罐头

A means of access, control, or possession.
手段：到达、控制或占有的方法

A vital, crucial element.
关键：至关重要的基本成分
A set of answers to a test.
答案：试题的解答
A table, gloss, or cipher for decoding or interpreting.
密码本、索引：用于破译或解释的表格、词表或索引
A device, such as a wedge or pin, inserted to lock together mechanical or structural parts.
楔、栓：象楔、栓一样的一种装置，插入以使机械或结构部件锁在一起
Architecture The keystone in the crown of an arch.
【建筑学】 拱顶石：位于拱顶的塞缝石

A button or lever that is pressed with the finger to operate a machine.
键：手指触压用来操作机器的按钮或杆
Music A button or lever that is pressed with the finger to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a clarinet or piano.
【音乐】 键：用手指触压以产生或调节乐器（如单簧管、钢琴）的声音
Music
【音乐】
A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being since the Renaissance the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.
调、主音：包括七个与主音有固定关系的音色的调音系统，有独特的调号，自文艺复兴以来一直是西方音乐主体的结构基础；调性
The principal tonality of a work:
调子：主要调性：
例句：
an etude in the key of E.
E大调练习曲

The pitch of a voice or other sound.
声高：嗓音或其他声音的音高
A characteristic tone or level of intensity, as of a speech or sales campaign. Often used in combination:
基调：演讲或销售竞赛的特色性调子或激烈程度，常用于复合词：
例句：
high-key; low-key.
高调；低调

Botany The key fruit.
【植物学】 翅果
An outline of the distinguishing characteristics of a group of organisms, used as a guide in taxonomic identification.
检表：一组生物的明显特征的概括，用于指导分类检查
Basketball An area at each end of the court between the base line and the foul line and including the jump-ball circle at the foul line:
【篮球】 罚球区：球场两边的一区，位于底线和罚球线之间，包括罚球线上的跑球圈：
例句：
a jump shot from the top of the key.
从罚球场边的跳投

adj.（形容词）
Of crucial importance; significant:
关键的；意义重大的：
例句：
key decisions; the key element of the thesis.
意义重大的结论；论文的中心成分

v.tr.（及物动词）
keyed,key.ing,keys
To lock with or as if with a key.
用或好象用钥匙锁
Architecture To furnish (an arch) with a keystone.
【建筑学】 用拱顶石装饰（拱顶）
Music To regulate the pitch of.
【音乐】 为…调音
To bring into harmony; adjust or adapt.
使和谐；调节或使适应
To supply an explanatory key for.
为…提供解答

To operate (a device), as for typesetting by means of a keyboard.
用键盘操作：操作（一个装置），如用键盘排字时
To enter (data) into a computer by means of a keyboard.
键入：用键盘把（信息）输入计算机
To identify (a biological specimen).
鉴别（一个生物种类）

<常用词组>key up
To make intense, excited, or nervous.
使…热切、兴奋或紧张
<习惯用语>in key
In consonance with other factors.
与其他要素相协调
out of key
Not in consonance with other factors.
与其他要素不协调
来源：
Middle English kai, kei
中古英语 kai, kei
from Old English côg
源自 古英语 côg

key
key 2

n.（名词）
【复数】 keys
A low offshore island or reef, especially in the Gulf of Mexico; a cay.
礁：（尤指墨西哥湾内）海岸以外的低岛或礁；珊瑚礁

来源：
Alteration influenced by key variant of quay
受 key的影响 quay的变体
of Spanish cayo * see cay
西班牙语 cayo的变化 *参见 cay

key
key 3

n.（名词）
【复数】 keys 【俚语】
A kilogram of marijuana, cocaine, or heroin.
一公斤：一公斤大麻、可卡因或海洛因

来源：
Shortening and alteration of kilogram
kilogram的简写和变化