Open English Wordnet
Nouns
(n)keymetal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated (n)keysomething crucial for explaining“the key to development is economic integration” (n)keypitch of the voice“he spoke in a low key” (n)key, tonalityany of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music (n)keya kilogram of a narcotic drug“they were carrying two keys of heroin” (n)samara, key fruit, keya winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple (n)key, paint(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” (n)keya list of answers to a test“some students had stolen the key to the final exam” (n)keya list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations (n)keya 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” (n)winder, keymechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) (n)keya lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed Verbs
(v)keyprovide with a key“We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building” (v)keyvandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key“His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot” (v)keyregulate the musical pitch of (v)keyharmonize with or adjust to“key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude” Adjectives
(s)cardinal, central, fundamental, key, primalserving 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”