Synonym: answer, clue, explanation, lead, note, opener, pitch, tone. Similar words: turkey, hockey, monkey. Meaning: [kɪː] 
n. 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 3. pitch of the voice 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 6. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple 7. 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) 8. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida 9. (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 10. a list of answers to a test 11. a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations 12. a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access 13. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) 14. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault 15. a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed. v. 1. identify as in botany or biology, for example 2. provide with a key 3. vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key 4. regulate the musical pitch of 5. harmonize with or adjust to. adj. 1. serving as an essential component 2. effective; producing a desired effect.
n. 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 3. pitch of the voice 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 6. a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple 7. 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) 8. a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida 9. (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 10. a list of answers to a test 11. a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations 12. a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access 13. mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) 14. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault 15. a lever that actuates a mechanism when depressed. v. 1. identify as in botany or biology, for example 2. provide with a key 3. vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key 4. regulate the musical pitch of 5. harmonize with or adjust to. adj. 1. serving as an essential component 2. effective; producing a desired effect. 
Random good picture Not show
181) She was offered a key post in the new government.
182) I don't want to alarm you, but I can't find the key.
183) The company plans to run trains on key intercity routes.
184) Turn the key anticlockwise.
185) The President makes all the key decisions on foreign policy.
186) Key paragraphs of the report are set in italic type.
187) She found the key taped to the underneath of the table, as always.
188) The economy is regarded as the decisive/key factor which will determine the outcome of the general election.
189) We're doing a special book promotion at key bookshops this week.
190) I'll give you a key so that you can let yourself in.
191) He had done most of the writing and rewriting himself,(sentencedict.com) reworking key passages again and again.
192) I heard the key turn in the front door and I was out of bed like a shot.
193) Germany's attack has been weakened by the loss of some key players through injury.
194) By the 1950s some sociologists were confident that they had identified the key characteristics of capitalist society.
195) There are two sharps in the key signature of D major.
196) There's no safety for anyone until he is under lock and key.
197) The man at reception gave her the key with a knowing look.
198) The key was right under my nose all the time.
199) She reached into the drawer and found the key to the safe.
200) He will play a key background role in government policy-making.
201) I was fumbling with the key as I couldn't see where the lock was in the dark.
202) He dived his hand into his pocket in an attempt to find the key.
203) Give me the trunk key and I'll get the spare.
204) Will you come to my party next Saturday?I'm getting the key to the door.
205) He wrote down a few key words to help him remember what to say.
206) Delegation of responsibility is a key part of a manager's job.
207) His badge of office, a large gold key[sentencedict.com], hung round his neck.
208) Just post the key through the door after you've locked it.
209) She was a leading/key player in the reorganization of the health service.
210) The association of ideas in original ways is the key to creativity.