/terrn"kee'/ , n. , pl. turnkeys ., adj. - n.
1. a person who has charge of the keys of a prison; jailer.
adj.
2. Also, turn-key . of, pertaining to, or resulting from an arrangement under which a private contractor designs and constructs a project, building, etc., for sale when completely ready for occupancy or operation: turn-key housing, turnkey contract.
3. fully equipped; ready to go into operation: a turnkey business.
[ 1645-55; TURN + KEY 1 ]