key
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++key1 /kiː/ ●●● S1 W2 noun [countable] 1 
lock 锁D a small specially shaped piece of metal that you put into a lock and turn in order to lock or unlock a door, start a car etc 钥匙house/car keys I lost my house keys. 我把家里的钥匙弄丢了。 A bunch of keys hung from his belt. 他的皮带上挂着一串钥匙。key to I can lend you a spare key to the store until you get one cut (=made). 在你配好钥匙之前，我可以借给你一把商店的备用钥匙。 ► Don’t say ‘the key of’ something. Say the key to something.不要说 ‘the key of’ something. 而要说 the key to something. → master key2 IMPORTANT PART 重要的部分the key the part of a plan, action etc that will make it possible for it to succeed 关键the key to Working well as a team is the key to success. 良好的团队合作是成功的关键。 a discovery that may hold the key to our understanding of the universe 也许能开启我们认识宇宙之门的一个发现3 computer 计算机APMT the buttons that you press on a computer keyboard to operate the computer 〔计算机键盘上的〕键 Press the ‘Escape’ key to exit. 按退出键退出。hot key/shortcut key (=a special key on a computer, that does specific things) 热键/快捷键4 music 音乐 a) [usually plural] the wooden or metal parts that you press on a piano and some wind instruments in order to play them 〔钢琴或某些管乐器上的〕键 piano keys 钢琴键 b) a scale of notes that begins with one particular note, or the quality of sound this scale has 〔音乐的〕调 a tune in the key of A minor 一段A小调的曲子 →5 see picture at 见图 piano15. map/drawing 地图/图EXPLAIN a list of the signs, colours etc used on a map or technical drawing etc that explains what they mean 图例，符号说明6. test 测试TCANSWER/REPLY the printed answers to a test or set of questions in a book 答案，题解7 island 岛 [usually plural]SG a small flat island, especially one that is part of a group near the coast 〔尤指靠近海岸的群岛中的〕小岛，低岛 the Florida Keys 佛罗里达群岛n COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + key a spare key (=an extra key)Never hide your spare key under the doormat.door keyI’ll get a new door key cut for you.car keysShe left her car keys on the hall table.house keysI’ve lost my house keys.the front/back door keyShe felt in her pocket for the front door key.the ignition key (=the key that starts a car or engine)Sam turned the ignition key and drove slowly away.phrasesa bunch/set of keys (=a group of keys kept together)He took out a huge bunch of keys and unlocked the door.the key to a door/house/cupboard (=the key that opens a door/house/cupboard)Has anyone seen the key to the garage door?verbsput a key in a lock/the doorI put the key in the lock, but it wouldn’t turn.insert a key formal (=put it in a lock)She inserted the key into the lock.turn a keyHe climbed into his car and turned the key.cut a key (=make one)Could you get a key cut for me?jangle your keys (=move them so they make a ringing sound)He walked off down the corridor, jangling his keys.a key unlocks/opens somethingThe largest key unlocks the front door.a key turnsWe heard the key turn in the lock.
lock 锁D a small specially shaped piece of metal that you put into a lock and turn in order to lock or unlock a door, start a car etc 钥匙house/car keys I lost my house keys. 我把家里的钥匙弄丢了。 A bunch of keys hung from his belt. 他的皮带上挂着一串钥匙。key to I can lend you a spare key to the store until you get one cut (=made). 在你配好钥匙之前，我可以借给你一把商店的备用钥匙。 ► Don’t say ‘the key of’ something. Say the key to something.不要说 ‘the key of’ something. 而要说 the key to something. → master key2 IMPORTANT PART 重要的部分the key the part of a plan, action etc that will make it possible for it to succeed 关键the key to Working well as a team is the key to success. 良好的团队合作是成功的关键。 a discovery that may hold the key to our understanding of the universe 也许能开启我们认识宇宙之门的一个发现3 computer 计算机APMT the buttons that you press on a computer keyboard to operate the computer 〔计算机键盘上的〕键 Press the ‘Escape’ key to exit. 按退出键退出。hot key/shortcut key (=a special key on a computer, that does specific things) 热键/快捷键4 music 音乐 a) [usually plural] the wooden or metal parts that you press on a piano and some wind instruments in order to play them 〔钢琴或某些管乐器上的〕键 piano keys 钢琴键 b) a scale of notes that begins with one particular note, or the quality of sound this scale has 〔音乐的〕调 a tune in the key of A minor 一段A小调的曲子 →5 see picture at 见图 piano15. map/drawing 地图/图EXPLAIN a list of the signs, colours etc used on a map or technical drawing etc that explains what they mean 图例，符号说明6. test 测试TCANSWER/REPLY the printed answers to a test or set of questions in a book 答案，题解7 island 岛 [usually plural]SG a small flat island, especially one that is part of a group near the coast 〔尤指靠近海岸的群岛中的〕小岛，低岛 the Florida Keys 佛罗里达群岛n COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + key a spare key (=an extra key)Never hide your spare key under the doormat.door keyI’ll get a new door key cut for you.car keysShe left her car keys on the hall table.house keysI’ve lost my house keys.the front/back door keyShe felt in her pocket for the front door key.the ignition key (=the key that starts a car or engine)Sam turned the ignition key and drove slowly away.phrasesa bunch/set of keys (=a group of keys kept together)He took out a huge bunch of keys and unlocked the door.the key to a door/house/cupboard (=the key that opens a door/house/cupboard)Has anyone seen the key to the garage door?verbsput a key in a lock/the doorI put the key in the lock, but it wouldn’t turn.insert a key formal (=put it in a lock)She inserted the key into the lock.turn a keyHe climbed into his car and turned the key.cut a key (=make one)Could you get a key cut for me?jangle your keys (=move them so they make a ringing sound)He walked off down the corridor, jangling his keys.a key unlocks/opens somethingThe largest key unlocks the front door.a key turnsWe heard the key turn in the lock.Examples from the Corpus
key• Secondly, the computer keyboard has many additional keys which are used to alter the function of the alpha-numeric keys.• Type in your PIN code, then press the ENTER key.• Then she saw a little glass table with three legs, and on the top of it was a very small gold key.• a minor key• My plastic key wouldn't open my hotel room.• Any set of search keys for a document can be described as a document profile.• These socialist writings showed me the key to my environment.spare key• It had temporarily slipped my mind, but some one did have a spare key some while ago.• Leave a spare key with a trustworthy neighbour.• So this was his spare key, the one he kept at the Vicarage.• Remember that I had always intended to leave spare key with the Twills next door but never got round to it.• Do you leave spare keys in hiding places outside the house?• Eventually, the spare key was found and they were released from the clutches of the car.• Soon she took my visits for granted and I was given the spare key to let myself in the door.key2 ●●○ S3 W2 adjective [no comparative] 1 IMPORTANTvery important or necessary 至关重要的；必不可少的；关键的 China’s support is key to the success of the coalition. 中国的支持是联盟成功的关键。key factor/points/questions etc 关键的因素/论点/问题等 The president makes all the key decisions on foreign policy. 外交政策上的所有重要决定都由总统作出。key role/player/figure etc (=one with a lot of influence on a result) 重要角色/选手/人物等 The show has been hit by the departure of key personnel. 由于主要人员离去，演出受到了影响。► see thesaurus at important, main → low-keyn COLLOCATIONSnounsa key factor (=a very important factor)A key factor in starting any business is its location.a key element/feature/component (=a very important part)Advertising is a key element in the success of a product.a key roleSanders played a key role in the team’s winning season.a key areaWhat are the key areas of economic policy?a key issue/question/pointThe environment became a key issue during the election.a key figure (=a key person)She was a key figure in the election campaign.a key playerHe won’t leave key players out of the team.a key witness (=someone who can give important information about a crime)She will be a key witness in the murder trial.a key decisionWomen made most of the key decisions about how money was spent in the household.a key word (=an important or useful word)Once you know the key words, you can make your own sentence.Examples from the Corpus
key• From the early 1960s the party had seen the issue of civil liberties as a key area of agitation.• Transport and communications are key areas of the economy.• the area's key businesses• A key card numbering the various positions was mounted on the top of the tachistoscope.• Communication is key for the newspaper team.• A law on salaries which was passed on Dec. 26,1989, was deemed to be of key importance.• Education is likely to be a key issue in the forthcoming election.• We don't have much time, so let's concentrate on the key issues.• He would dispose of it and a key item of evidence would be gone for good.• What are the key leadership skills?• The system comprises three key modules, which are centred on the Network Control System Console.• The key person in this project will be the design manager.• He held a key position in the Bush administration.• Many of the key terms and debates that take place throughout the book are introduced.• Laws are key to maintaining an orderly society.key role/player/figure etc• Winter had wanted to introduce a budgetary control system based on monthly management accounts with the emphasis on key figures.• Thus, product prices play a key role in determining the expenditure patterns of consumers.• Those visiting the current exhibit will learn that black churches and their leaders played key roles in local history.• Lucia Walker is one of the key figures in the development of contact improvisation in this country.• The project high-lighted the key role of the expert advisors which are used by farm managers in undertaking their roles.• Mr Strine also gives readers excuses for his losses, such as injuries to key players or even the weather.• We don't have one key player that makes big plays every week.• Social workers have a key role to play when some one suspects that a child is being abused.key3 ●●○ verb [transitive] 1 American English informal if you key a win for your team, you help it win a game because you play very well 成为〔获胜〕的关键 Abdul keyed the game with three touchdowns. 阿布杜尔三次触地得分，是赢得比赛的关键。2. British EnglishTIC to prepare a surface so that a covering such as paint will stick to it 〔为涂油漆等〕将…的表面处理好3 key something ↔ in phrasal verb TDto put information into a computer or other machine, using buttons or a keyboard 〔用键盘等〕输入，键入 Key in your password and press ‘Return’. 键入密码，按回车键。4 key something to something phrasal verb American English a) EQUALto make or change a system so that it works well with something else 使…适合于 The daycare hours are keyed to the needs of working parents. 日间托儿服务的时间根据上班家长的需要而定。b) if the level, price, or value of something is keyed to something else, it is related to it and they rise and fall at the same time 将〔水平、价格或价值〕与…相联系[挂钩] Pensions are keyed to the rate of inflation. 养老金和通货膨胀率挂钩。 → keyed up→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
key• Rollins keyed a 98-89 victory for the Hawks.• But it is also possible that they were keying into an actual human possibility.• Breaking it, if it can be found, produces the effect of keying out the engram.From Longman Business Dictionarykeykey1 /kiː/ noun [countable]COMPUTING1a part of a computer with a letter, number etc on it that you press with your fingers to make it workPress any key to continue.2a/the key to something the part of a plan, arrangement etc that is the most important and which everything else depends onThe key to customer satisfaction is quick access to those best placed to resolve issues quickly.If managers are free to concentrate on the core business, this could be a key to economicsuccess in the difficult times ahead.keykey2 adjective1very important or necessarythe impact of foreign investment onkey industriesThe key elements of Japanese management methods can be applied to Western organisations.A key factor in these companies’ success is knowing their customers’ preferences.key toTechnical alliances between companies are key to putting pressure on other cable competitors.2COMMERCE key actor/player/mover a person or company that is very important and influentialThe key players involved in the change must be identified and their commitment to the change obtained.Employers are key actors within industrial relations.keykey3 verb FINANCE be keyed to something if the level, price, value etc of something is keyed to something else, it is related to it and rises and falls with itIn many cases, brokers’ commissions are keyed to share prices.The agreement requires banks to hold a certain amount of capital, keyed to the riskiness of loans. → key something → in→ See Verb tableOrigin key2 Old English cægkey1 noun →n COLLOCATIONS1key2 adjective →n COLLOCATIONS1key3 verbLDOCE OnlineChinese
Business piece small specially shaped a of Corpus metal that
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key
key1 S3 W2 /kiː/ 
adjective [no comparative]
very important or necessary:
China’s support is key to the success of the coalition.
key factor/points/questions etc
The President makes all the key decisions on foreign policy.
key role/player/figure etc (=one with a lot of influence on a result)
The show has been hit by the departure of key personnel.
⇨ low-key
■ nouns
▪a key factor (=a very important factor) A key factor in starting any business is its location.
▪a key element/feature/component (=a very important part) Advertising is a key element in the success of a product.
▪a key role Sanders played a key role in the team’s winning season.
▪a key area What are the key areas of economic policy?
▪a key issue/question/point The environment became a key issue during the election.
▪a key figure (=a key person) She was a key figure in the election campaign.
▪a key player He won’t leave key players out of the team.
▪a key witness (=someone who can give important information about a crime) She will be a key witness in the murder trial.
▪a key decision Women made most of the key decisions about how money was spent in the household.
▪a key word (=an important or useful word) Once you know the key words, you can make your own sentence.
key2 S2 W2 noun [countable]
1. LOCK a small specially shaped piece of metal that you put into a lock and turn in order to lock or unlock a door, start a car etc
house/car keys
I lost my house keys.
A bunch of keys hung from his belt.
key to
I can lend you a spare key to the store until you get one cut (=made).
► Do not say ‘the key of’ something. Say the key to something. ⇨ master key
2. IMPORTANT PART the key the part of a plan, action etc that will make it possible for it to succeed
the key to
Working well as a team is the key to success.
a discovery that may hold the key to our understanding of the universe
3. COMPUTER the buttons that you press on a computer keyboard to operate the computer:
Press the ‘Escape’ key to exit.
hot key/shortcut key (=a special key on a computer, that does specific things)
4. MUSIC
a. [usually plural] the wooden or metal parts that you press on a piano and some wind instruments in order to play them:
piano keys
b. a scale of notes that begins with one particular note, or the quality of sound this scale has:
a tune in the key of A minor
5. MAP/DRAWING a list of the signs, colours etc used on a map or technical drawing etc that explains what they mean
6. TEST the printed answers to a test or set of questions in a book
7. ISLAND [usually plural] a small flat island, especially one that is part of a group near the coast:
the Florida Keys
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + key
▪a spare key (=an extra key) Never hide your spare key under the doormat.
▪door key I’ll get a new door key cut for you.
▪car keys She left her car keys on the hall table.
▪house keys I’ve lost my house keys.
▪the front/back door key She felt in her pocket for the front door key.
▪the ignition key (=the key that starts a car or engine) Sam turned the ignition key and drove slowly away.
■ phrases
▪a bunch/set of keys (=a group of keys kept together) He took out a huge bunch of keys and unlocked the door.
▪the key to a door/house/cupboard (=the key that opens a door/house/cupboard) Has anyone seen the key to the garage door?
■ verbs
▪put a key in a lock/the door I put the key in the lock, but it wouldn’t turn.
▪insert a key formal (=put it in a lock) She inserted the key into the lock.
▪turn a key He climbed into his car and turned the key.
▪cut a key (=make one) Could you get a key cut for me?
▪jangle your keys (=move them so they make a ringing sound) He walked off down the corridor, jangling his keys.
▪a key unlocks/opens something The largest key unlocks the front door.
▪a key turns We heard the key turn in the lock.
key3 verb [transitive]
1. American English informal if you key a win for your team, you help it win a game because you play very well:
Abdul keyed the game with three touchdowns.
2. British English to prepare a surface so that a covering such as paint will stick to it
key something ↔ in phrasal verb
to put information into a computer or other machine, using buttons or a keyboard:
Key in your password and press ‘Return’.
key something to something phrasal verb American English
1. to make or change a system so that it works well with something else:
The daycare hours are keyed to the needs of working parents.
2. if the level, price, or value of something is keyed to something else, it is related to it and they rise and fall at the same time:
Pensions are keyed to the rate of inflation.
⇨ keyed up
| I |
adjective [no comparative]very important or necessary:
key factor/points/questions etc
key role/player/figure etc (=one with a lot of influence on a result)
⇨ low-key
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noun [countable] Language: Old English
Origin: cæg
Origin: cæg
1. LOCK a small specially shaped piece of metal that you put into a lock and turn in order to lock or unlock a door, start a car etc
house/car keys
key to
► Do not say ‘the key of’ something. Say the key to something. ⇨ master key
2. IMPORTANT PART the key the part of a plan, action etc that will make it possible for it to succeed
the key to
3. COMPUTER the buttons that you press on a computer keyboard to operate the computer:
hot key/shortcut key (=a special key on a computer, that does specific things)
4. MUSIC
a. [usually plural] the wooden or metal parts that you press on a piano and some wind instruments in order to play them:
b. a scale of notes that begins with one particular note, or the quality of sound this scale has:
5. MAP/DRAWING a list of the signs, colours etc used on a map or technical drawing etc that explains what they mean
6. TEST the printed answers to a test or set of questions in a book
7. ISLAND [usually plural] a small flat island, especially one that is part of a group near the coast:
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| III |
verb [transitive]1. American English informal if you key a win for your team, you help it win a game because you play very well:
2. British English to prepare a surface so that a covering such as paint will stick to it
key something ↔ in phrasal verb
to put information into a computer or other machine, using buttons or a keyboard:
key something to something phrasal verb American English
1. to make or change a system so that it works well with something else:
2. if the level, price, or value of something is keyed to something else, it is related to it and they rise and fall at the same time:
⇨ keyed up
Key
Key, Francis Scott
(1779–1843) a US poet, who wrote the words of The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem (=official song) of the US
Key, Francis Scott
(1779–1843) a US poet, who wrote the words of The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem (=official song) of the US
especially
especially
main [ 指主要的、最重要的 ：◆ Be careful crossing the main road. 过大马路时小心点。 ◆ The main thing is to remain calm. 最重要的是要保持冷静。 major [ 指主要的、重要的、大的 ：◆ He played a major role in setting up the system. 他在建立这个系统的过程中起了主要的作用。 NOTE Major is most often used aftera with a singular noun, or no article with a plural noun. When it is used withthe ormy/your/his/her/our/their it means 'the largest or most important'.* major 最常用于不定冠词 a 之后，与单数名词连用；或不用冠词，与复数名词连用。major 与 the 或 my/your/his/her/our/their 连用时意为最主要的、最重要的 ：◆ Our major concern here is combatting poverty. 在这里我们最关心的是解决贫穷问题。 In this meaning it is only used to talk about ideas or worries that people have, not physical things, and it is also more formal than main .在该含义中 major 只用以指人的想法或担忧，而非物质的东西，且较 main 正式 ：◆ Be careful crossing the major road. ◆ The major thing is to remain calm. key [ 指最重要的、主要的、关键的 ：◆ He was a key figure in the campaign. 他是这场运动的关键人物。 NOTE Key is used most frequently in business and political contexts. It can be used to talk about ideas, or the part that sb plays in a situation, but not physical things. It is slightly more informal thanmajor , especially when used after a noun and linking verb.* key 最常用于商务和政治语境，可用来形容想法或某人在某情势下起的作用，而非物质的东西。key 较 major 稍非正式，用于名词加连系动词后尤其如此 ：◆ Speed is key at this point. 在这个时候速度是关键。 central ( most importantrather
指最重要的、首要的、主要的 ：◆ The central issue is that of widespread racism. 最重要的问题是种族主义泛滥。 NOTE Central is used in a similar way tokey , but is more formal. It is most frequently used in the phrasesth is central to sth else .* central 与 key 用法相似，但更正式，最常用于 be central to 短语中。 principal [ ( most importantrather
指最重要的、主要的 ：◆ The principal reason for this omission is lack of time. 跳过它的主要原因是时间不足。 NOTE Principal is mostly used for statements of fact about which there can be no argument. To state an opinion, or to try to persuade sb of the facts as you see them, it is more usual to usekey orcentral .* principal 主要用于陈述无可争辩的事实。表明意见或说服别人相信你所见到的事实，较常用 key 或 central ：◆ The key/central issue here is… 这里的关键问题是… chief [ ( most importantrather
指最重要的、首要的、主要的 ：◆ Unemployment was the chief cause of poverty. 失业是贫穷的主要原因。 prime [ ( most important; to be considered firstrather
指主要的、首要的 ：◆ My prime concern is to protect my property. 我最关心的是保护自己的财产。
Patterns
a/the main/major/key/central/principal/chief/prime aim/concern a/the main/major/principal road/town/city the main/key thing is to…to be of major/key/central/primeimportance