Từ điển tiếng Anh - Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary
key
key UK US [kiː] noun countable [ keys ]
LOCK
1. <E > a piece of metal that has been cut into a special shape and is used for opening or closing a lock, starting a car engine, etc • car/door keys See picture Thesaurus+: ↑Locks and locksmithing
• She fumbled around in her handbag, looking for her key. • I heard someone turn a key in the lock. • Give me the car keys - you're in no fit state to drive. • She suddenly remembered (that) her keys were in her other bag. • Please hand in your keys at reception on your departure from the hotel.
PART
2. <A > any of the set of moving parts that you press with your fingers on a computer, typewriter or musical instrument to produce letters, numbers, symbols or musical notes See pictures , Thesaurus+: ↑Machine parts
• If you press this key, the computer screen will clear. • Press and hold down the control key while you press '9'. • Press the return key twice to leave a blank line. • Use this key to toggle between the two typefaces. • He ran his fingers over the piano keys.
MUSICAL NOTES 3. a set of musical notes based on one particular note • The song changes key halfway through. • the key of C minor See picture Thesaurus+: ↑Technical music terms
adjective <E > very important and having a lot of influence on other people or things • She was a key figure in the international art world. • a key factor in tackling the problem Thesaurus+: ↑Very important or urgent
• I think there is one key fact that you have overlooked. • The key witness for the prosecution was offered police protection after she received death threats. • The control of inflation is a key component of the government's economic policy. • Delegation of responsibility is a key part of a manager's job. • The economy is regarded as the key factor which will determine the outcome of the general election.
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