British English : key The key person or thing in a group is the most important one. ADJECTIVEHe is expected to be the key witness at the trial.
noun
a metal instrument, usually of a specifically contoured shape, that is made to fit a lock and, when rotated, operates the lock's mechanism
any instrument that is rotated to operate a valve, clock winding mechanism, etc
a small metal peg or wedge inserted into keyways
any of a set of levers operating a typewriter, computer, etc
any of the visible parts of the lever mechanism of a musical keyboard instrument that when depressed set in motion the action that causes the instrument to sound
Also called : tonality . any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework the main tonal centre in an extended composition ⇒ a symphony in the key of F major the tonic of a major or minor scale See tuning key
Also called : tonality . any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework
the main tonal centre in an extended composition ⇒ a symphony in the key of F major
the tonic of a major or minor scale
See tuning key
something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation ⇒ the key to adult behaviour lies in childhood
a means of achieving a desired end ⇒ the key to happiness
a means of access or control ⇒ Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean
a list of explanations of symbols, codes, etc
a text that explains or gives information about a work of literature, art, or music
Also called : key move . the correct initial move in the solution of a set problem
(biology ) a systematic list of taxonomic characteristics, used to identify animals or plants
(photography , painting ) the dominant tonal value and colour intensity of a picture See also low-key (sense 3) , high-key
(electrical engineering ) a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits a hand-operated switch that is pressed to transmit coded signals, esp Morse code
a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits
a hand-operated switch that is pressed to transmit coded signals, esp Morse code
the grooving or scratching of a surface or the application of a rough coat of plaster, etc, to provide a bond for a subsequent finish
pitch ⇒ he spoke in a low key
a characteristic mood or style ⇒ a poem in a melancholic key
level of intensity ⇒ she worked herself up to a high key
(railways ) a wooden wedge placed between a rail and a chair to keep the rail firmly in place
a wedge for tightening a joint or for splitting stone or timber
short for keystone (sense 1)
(botany ) any dry winged fruit, esp that of the ash
(modifier) (photography ) determining the tonal value of a photograph ⇒ flesh colour is an important key tone
Also called : tonality . any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework
the main tonal centre in an extended composition ⇒ a symphony in the key of F major
the tonic of a major or minor scale
See tuning key
a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits
a hand-operated switch that is pressed to transmit coded signals, esp Morse code
adjective
of great importance; crucial ⇒ a key issue
verb (mainly transitive)
(followed by to) to harmonize (with) ⇒ to key one's actions to the prevailing mood
to adjust or fasten with a key or some similar device
to provide with a key or keys
to scratch the paintwork of (a car) with a key
(often followed by up) to locate the position of (a piece of copy, artwork, etc) on a layout by the use of symbols
(also intransitive) another word for keyboard (sense 3)
to include a distinguishing device in (an advertisement, etc), so that responses to it can be identified
to provide a keystone for (an arch)
noun
a variant spelling of cay
noun
John (Phillip). born 1961, New Zealand politician; prime minister from 2008