key

US /ki/

UK /ki:/

A1

noun

  • Answers to exercises, as at the back of a book
  • A button on a keyboard.
  • Something you use to open a lock or start a car
  • A small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it.
  • Button on a computer keyboard used for typing
  • List that explains symbols or abbreviations
  • A set of notes based on a particular note and making up a scale.

adjective

  • Important; necessary to make an action successful
  • Of crucial importance.

verb

  • To enter information or data into a computer

Examples

Language is the key to understanding those around you.

the key of G major