key

Universal Words noun, verb, adjective noun tool for lock 1 a specially shaped piece of metal used for locking a door, starting a car, etc: to insert / turn the key in the lock * the car keys * a bunch of keys * the spare key to the front door * We'll have a duplicate key cut (= made). * There's a special key for winding up this clock. most important thing 2 [usuallysing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that makes you able to understand or achieve sth: The key to success is preparation. * The driver of the car probably holds the key to solving the crime. * (especially AmE) The key is, how long can the federal government control the inflation rate? on computer 3 any of the buttons that you press to operate a computer or TYPEWRITER: Press the return key to enter the information. on musical instrument 4 any of the wooden or metal parts that you press to play a piano and some other musical instruments music 5 a set of related notes, based on a particular note. Pieces of music are usually written mainly using a particular key: a sonata in the key of E flat major * This piece changes key many times. compareSCALEn.(7) answers 6 a set of answers to exercises or problems: Check your answers in the key at the back of the book. on map 7 an explanation of the symbols used on a map or plan seealsoLOW-KEY IDIOMS see LOCKn. verb [VN] ~ sth (in)