Adjective He's a key player in the organization. The key question is “Can we afford it?”. Underline key words and phrases as you read. Their votes were key in getting the bill passed. Verb The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist. her response was perfectly keyed to the situation See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1), Adjective, and Verb
Middle English, from Old English cǣg; akin to Old Frisian kēi key
Noun (2)
Spanish cayo, from Taino
Noun (3)
by shortening & alteration from kilo
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a