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. something crucial for explaining;
"the key to development is economic integration"
3. pitch of the voice;
"he spoke in a low key"
4. any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music
5. a kilogram of a narcotic drug;
"they were carrying two keys of heroin"
6. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
7. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida
8. (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"
9. a list of answers to a test;
"some students had stolen the key to the final exam"
10. a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations
11. 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"
12. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
13. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
14. a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed