(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ 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.
They put the ~ in the door and entered...
N-COUNT
2.
The ~s on a computer ~board or typewriter are the buttons that you press in order to operate it.
N-COUNT: usu pl
3.
The ~s of a piano or organ are the long narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you press in order to play it.
N-COUNT: usu pl
4.
In music, a ~ is a scale of musical notes that starts on one specific note.
...the ~ of A minor.
N-VAR
5.
The ~ on a map or diagram or in a technical book is a list of the symbols or abbreviations used and their meanings.
You will find a ~ at the front of the book.
N-COUNT
6.
The ~ person or thing in a group is the most important one.
He is expected to be the ~ witness at the trial...
ADJ: ADJ n
7.
The ~ to a desirable situation or result is the way in which it can be achieved.
The ~ to success is to be ready from the start...
N-COUNT: usu N to n
8.
see also master ~