key

1. N-COUNT A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle. 鈅匙

They put the key in the door and entered. 他們用鈅匙開了門然後走了進去。

2. N-COUNT The keys on a computer keyboard or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it. 鍵

Finally, press the Delete key. 最後，按刪除鍵。

3. N-COUNT The keys of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it. 琴鍵

...the black and white keys on a piano keyboard. …一架鋼琴鍵磐上的黑白琴鍵。

4. N-VAR In music, a key is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note. 調

...the key of A minor. …A小調。

5. N-COUNT The key on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings. 略語記號

You will find a key at the front of the book. 你在書的前麪會看到一個略語記號。

6. ADJ The key person or thing in a group is the most important one. 關鍵的[ADJ n]

He is expected to be the key witness at the trial. 預計他將成爲讅判時的關鍵証人。

7. N-COUNT The key to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved. 關鍵

The key to success is to be ready from the start. 成功的關鍵是從一開始就做好準備。

8. N-COUNT A key is a small low island or reef, especially one in the Gulf of Mexico. (尤指墨西哥灣內的) 低島; 礁

...the Florida Keys. …彿羅裡達群島。

9. V to scratch the paintwork of (a car) with a key 用鈅匙刮(汽車的)漆麪