out of key

1. A notched and grooved, usually metal implement that is turned to open or close a lock.

2. A similar device used for opening or winding: the key of a clock; a can that has a key attached.

3. A vital, crucial element.

4. A set of answers to a test.

5. A table, gloss, or cipher for decoding or interpreting.

6. A button or lever that is depressed to operate a machine.

7. A button that is depressed to cause a corresponding character or function to be typed or executed by a typewriter or to be accepted as input by a computer.

8. Music A button or lever that is depressed with the finger to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a clarinet or piano.

9. A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.

10. The principal tonality of a work: an etude in the key of E.

A means of access, control, or possession.

1. A vital, crucial element.

2. A set of answers to a test.

3. A table, gloss, or cipher for decoding or interpreting.

4. A button or lever that is depressed to operate a machine.

5. A button that is depressed to cause a corresponding character or function to be typed or executed by a typewriter or to be accepted as input by a computer.

6. Music A button or lever that is depressed with the finger to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a clarinet or piano.

7. A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.

8. The principal tonality of a work: an etude in the key of E.

A device, such as a wedge or pin, inserted to lock together mechanical or structural parts.

Architecture The keystone in the crown of an arch.

1. A button or lever that is depressed to operate a machine.

2. A button that is depressed to cause a corresponding character or function to be typed or executed by a typewriter or to be accepted as input by a computer.

3. Music A button or lever that is depressed with the finger to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a clarinet or piano.

4. A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.

5. The principal tonality of a work: an etude in the key of E.

Music

1. A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music; tonality.

2. The principal tonality of a work: an etude in the key of E.

The pitch of a voice or other sound.

A characteristic tone or level of intensity, as of a speech or sales campaign. Often used in combination: high-key; low-key.

Botany A samara.

An outline of the distinguishing characteristics of a group of organisms, used as a guide in taxonomic identification.

Basketball An area at each end of the court between the base line and the foul line and including the jump-ball circle at the foul line: a jump shot from the top of the key.

To lock with or as if with a key.

Architecture To furnish (an arch) with a keystone.

Music To regulate the pitch of.

To bring into harmony; adjust or adapt.

To supply an explanatory key for.

1. To operate (a device), as for typesetting, by means of a keyboard.

2. To enter (data) into a computer by means of a keyboard.

To identify (a biological specimen).

To vandalize or mar by scratching with a key: Vandals keyed the cars left in the parking garage.

To pay close attention; focus: improved service by keying on customer complaints; keyed in on the main points of the lecture.

Sports To watch or cover an opposing player closely in an effort to limit the player's effectiveness. Used with on: "[She] still carries the burden of scoring ... even though opponents key on her throughout every game" (Josh Barr).