key

noun

1. 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. 2

   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)

3. 3

   a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

4. 4

   the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

5. 5

   mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

6. 6

   pitch of the voice

   he spoke in a low key

7. 7

   something crucial for explaining

   the key to development is economic integration

8. 8

   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

9. 9

   a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

10. 10

    a list of answers to a test

    some students had stolen the key to the final exam

11. 11

    any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

12. 12

    (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