音标：[ki:]
n. 钥匙, 键, 解答, 关键, 要害, 基调, 线索, 答案, 暗礁
vt. 调音, 锁上, 提供线索
vi. 使用钥匙
【计】 键, 密钥
【化】 键
【医】 电钥, 栓体, 键
【经】 关键, 要害; 主要的
相关词组:
have the key of the street
in a minor key
key up
put the key under the door
the key to
all in the same key
在线英汉词典
key的短语、例句：
key
n
1 [C] metal instrument shaped so that it will move the bolt of a lock (and so lock or unlock sth) 钥匙
turn the key in the lock 转动锁孔中的钥匙
the car keys 汽车钥匙
the key to the front door 前门的钥匙
have a duplicate key cut, ie made 配钥匙. =>illus 见插图.
2 [C] similar instrument for grasping and turning sth, eg for winding a clock 类似钥匙的器具（如上钟表发条用的）
Where´s the key for turning off the radiator? 关散热器的开关在哪里?
3 [C]
(a) (music 音) set of related notes, based on a particular note, and forming the basis of (part of) a piece of music 调
a sonata in the key of E flat major/A minor 一首降E大调[A小调]奏鸣曲
This piece changes key many times. 这首曲子有多处变调.
(b) (fig 比喻) general tone or style of sth （事 物的）基调, 调子, 调门儿
Her speech was all in the same key, ie monotonous. 她的演说自始至终是一个调子（单调乏味）.
4 [C] any of the set of levers that are pressed by the fingers to operate a typewriter, piano, etc （打字机、 钢琴等的）键. =>illus at App 1 见附录1插图, pages x, xi.
5 [C]
(a) set of answers to exercises or problems 题解; 答案
a book of language tests, complete with key 附答案的语言测验试题集.
(b) explanation of the symbols used in a coded message or on a map, diagram, etc （地图、 图表等上的）略语表, 符号表, 凡例, 图例.
6 [C usu sing 通常作单数]
~ (to sth) thing that provides access, control or understanding 关键; 要诀
Diet and exercise are the key (to good health). 吃固定食物、 做运动是（身体健康的）关键.
The key to the whole affair was his jealousy. 整个事情的症结是因为他忌妒.
7 [sing] roughness given to a surface so that plaster or paint will stick to it （助灰浆或颜料附著的）粗糙表面
Gently sand the plastic to provide a key for the paint. 用砂纸在塑料上轻轻打磨出粗糙面以便涂颜料.
8 [C] (botany 植) winged fruit of some trees, eg the ash and elm 翅果（如 、 榆等树的果实）. =>illus at App 1 见附录1插图, page i.
9 (idm 习语) under lock and key => lock2. key, adj [attrib 作定语]
very important or essential 极重要的; 关键性的
a key figure in the dispute 争论中的关键人物
a key industry, speech, position 重要的工业、 讲话、 位置.
key v
1 [Tn, Tn.p] ~ sth (in) (computing 计) type in (data) using a keyboard 用键盘输入（数据）
I´ve keyed this sentence (in) three times, and it´s still wrong!我把这个句子输入了三次, 可是仍然不对!
2 [Tn] roughen (a surface) so that plaster or paint will stick to it 将（表面）弄粗糙（以便附著灰浆或颜料）.
3 (phr v) key sth to sth
(a) make sth similar to sth else 使某事物与他事物相似
She keyed her mood to that of the other guests. 她控制住情绪使之与其他客人一致.
(b) make sth suitable for sth else 使某事物与他事物相适应
The farm was keyed to the needs of the local people. 农?quot;吹钡厝说男枰髁说髡? key sb up (usu passive 通常用於被动语态) make sb excited, nervous or tense 使某人激动或紧张
The manager warned us not to get too keyed up before the big match. 领队告诫我们在大赛之前不要太激动. key (also cay), n low island or reef, esp in the W Indies and off the coast of Florida 低岛, 暗礁, 珊瑚礁（尤指西印度群岛和美国佛罗里达州海岸处）.
key