key
2
7.8
- noun
- /ki/
- To wind the clock, use the special key that fits into the side.
- wind-up key
- turn the key
Examples
-
He inserted the key and turned it to start the old music box.
-
The technician used the key to adjust the tension of the clock spring.
-
I brought back the key to your clock.
-
Go to the middle of the room and use the queen key on the music box.
Blog text (17) -
And now... you are going to get us that clock key.
-
Anya puts in the key and begins to wind it.
Fiction book (1997) -
Up the backyard stairway, still outside, he turned his key in the back door and, somewhat to his surprise, it opened.
Fiction book (1999) -
Butch waits a few seconds, quietly turns the key one notch, and checks the gas gauge.
Fiction book (1993) -
Maura frantically pulls a skeleton key out of the door - INT UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT.
Fiction book (1996)
Synonyms
2
6.8
A device that turns springs, thread, rope or film
1
9.0
A small metal key with a square hole used to wind old pocket devices that tell time
Idioms
Compounds
- Specialized
1
3.6
A key on Apple keyboards that you press with other keys to use shortcuts
- Archaic
1
7.7
A small lever device used to send messages as dots and dashes by making and breaking an electric circuit
- Specialized
1
2.8
A key on a computer keyboard that you press with other keys to do special actions
- Specialized
1
2.3
A key on a keyboard that moves the cursor to the right to indent or align text
- Archaic
1
9.0
A small metal key with a square hole used to wind old pocket devices that tell time
- Specialized
1
7.5
A secret password that lets someone get into many accounts or systems
- Specialized
1
5.5
A set of sharps or flats at the start of written music showing its key
1
7.1
A repeating decorative border made from one continuous line that forms square corners
- Specialized
1
4.1
A secure place on a computer that stores passwords and secret codes for apps and the system
1
6.7
A repeated decorative border of straight lines that turn in square corners, often on vases and buildings
- Specialized
A winged fruit from maple or ash trees with one seed that spins as it falls
- Specialized
A small metal tool with a six-sided end for turning screws with a matching hole
- Specialized
A small metal tool with a six-sided tip that turns screws with a six-sided hole in the head
Surface Forms
Etymology
The winding key for a clock is another small tool, like the door key, used to make a mechanism move or wind up.