| Key (key) |
|---|
| n. | (k***emacr]) |
|---|
| Key |
| [OE. keye,
key, kay, AS. cæg.] |
An instrument by means of which the bolt of a lock is shot or
drawn; usually, a removable metal instrument fitted to the mechanism
of a particular lock and operated by turning in its place.
An instrument which is turned like a key
in fastening or adjusting any mechanism; as, a watch key; a
bed key, etc.
That part of an instrument or machine
which serves as the means of operating it; as, a telegraph
key; the keys of a pianoforte, or of a
typewriter.
A position or condition which affords
entrance, control, pr possession, etc.; as, the key of a line
of defense; the key of a country; the key of a
political situation. Hence, that which serves to unlock, open,
discover, or solve something unknown or difficult; as, the key
to a riddle; the key to a problem.
That part of a mechanism which serves to
lock up, make fast, or adjust to position.
A piece
of wood used as a wedge.
A
keystone.
A wedge
to unite two or more pieces, or adjust their relative position; a
cotter; a forelock.
An indehiscent, one-seeded
fruit furnished with a wing, as the fruit of the ash and maple; a
samara; -- called also key fruit.
A
family of tones whose regular members are called diatonic tones, and
named key tone (or tonic) or one (or eight), mediant or three,
dominant or five, subdominant or four, submediant or six, supertonic
or two, and subtonic or seven. Chromatic tones are temporary members
of a key, under such names as " sharp four, " "flat seven," etc.
Scales and tunes of every variety are made from the tones of a
key.
Fig: The general pitch or tone of a
sentence or utterance.
|
| Key (key) |
|---|
| v. t. | (?) |
|---|
| Key |
| [imp. *** p.
p. Keved (?)] p. pr. *** vb. n.
Keying.] |
To fasten or secure firmly] to fasten or tighten
with keys or wedges.
|
A metallic
lever by which the circuit of the sending or transmitting part of a
station equipment may be easily and rapidly opened and closed; any
device for closing or opening an electric circuit.
|
A simplified version or
analysis which accompanies something as a clue to its explanation, a
book or table containing the solutions to problems, ciphers,
allegories, or the like, or a table or synopsis of conspicuous
distinguishing characters of members of a taxonomic group.
|
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In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 