key

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A small metal object that you use to lock or unlock a door, start a car, etc.

   I can't find my house key anywhere.

2. 2
   noun

   The most important thing that explains or helps you achieve something.

   Hard work is the key to success.

3. 3
   noun

   A set of answers to a test or a guide to symbols on a map.

   Check your answers against the key at the back of the book.

4. 4
   verb

   To deliberately damage a car by scratching it with a key.

   Someone keyed my car in the parking lot last night.

Common collocations

• lose a key Verb + noun
• turn a key Verb + noun
• spare key Adjective + noun
• copy a key Verb + noun
• duplicate key Adjective + noun
• key figure Adjective + noun
• key point Adjective + noun
• master key Adjective + noun
• cut a key Verb + noun
• key piece Adjective + noun

From Middle English keye, kaye, keiȝe, from Old English cǣġ (“key, solution, experiment”) (whence also Scots key and kay (“key”)), from Anglo-Frisian Proto-West Germanic *kaiju, of uncertain origin. The only sure cognates are Saterland Frisian Koai (“key”), West Frisian kaai (“key”), and North Frisian kai, koie (“key”). Possibly from Proto-Germanic *kēgaz, *kēguz (“stake, post, pole”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵogʰ-, *ǵegʰ-, *ǵegʰn- (“branch, stake, bush”), which would make it cognate with Middle Low German kāk (“whipping post, pillory”), and perhaps to Middle Dutch keige (“javelin, spear”) a…

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