· metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

Hypernym(s): device

· something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration"

Hypernym(s): explanation

· pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"

Hypernym(s): pitch

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

Synonym(s): tonality

Hypernym(s): musical_notation

· a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin"

Hypernym(s): kilogram, kg, kilo

· a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

Synonym(s): samara, key_fruit

Hypernym(s): achene

· 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)

Synonym(s): Key, Francis_Scott_Key

· a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

Synonym(s): cay, Florida_key

Hypernym(s): coral_reef

· (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"

Synonym(s): paint

Hypernym(s): space

· a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"

Hypernym(s): list, listing

· a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

Hypernym(s): list, listing

· 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"

Hypernym(s): positive_identification

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

Synonym(s): winder

Hypernym(s): mechanical_device

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

Synonym(s): keystone, headstone

Hypernym(s): building_block

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

Hypernym(s): lever

· identify as in botany or biology, for example

Synonym(s): identify, discover, key_out, distinguish, describe, name

· provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"

Hypernym(s): supply, provide, render, furnish

· vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"

Hypernym(s): vandalize, vandalise

· regulate the musical pitch of

Hypernym(s): harmonize, harmonise, chord

· harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

Hypernym(s): harmonize, harmonise, reconcile

· serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"

Synonym(s): cardinal, central, fundamental, primal