verb Download 🔗Share To fit (a lock) with a key. Examples : "The locksmith is keying the new lock to match my house key. " utility technical building Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key to maintain the orientation between them. Examples : "The mechanic was carefully keying the pulley onto the shaft to ensure it spun correctly and wouldn't slip. " technical machine industry Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To mark or indicate with a symbol indicating membership in a class. Examples : "The librarian was keying each new book with a special sticker to show it belonged to the children's section. " mark sign action Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (telegraphy and radio telegraphy) To depress (a telegraph key). Examples : "The telegraph operator was quickly keying a message across the country. " technology communication electronics technical signal Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To operate (the transmitter switch of a two-way radio). Examples : "The dispatcher was keying the microphone to alert all patrol cars. " communication electronics technology signal Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (more usually to key in) To enter (information) by typing on a keyboard or keypad. Examples : "Our instructor told us to key in our user IDs." technology computing communication internet machine electronics Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key. Examples : "He keyed the car that had taken his parking spot." property action police vehicle Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To link (as one might do with a key or legend). Examples : "The teacher keying the chart showed which colors represented different types of flowers. " communication technology computing internet Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To be identified as a certain taxon when using a key. Examples : "After careful observation of its leaf shape and flower structure, the student was keying this plant to the genus Acer using the field guide. " biology science organism Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To modify (an advertisement) so as to target a particular group or demographic. Examples : "The marketing team is keying the online ads to specifically target young adults interested in gaming. " media business communication Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To attune to; to set at; to pitch. Examples : "The conductor was keying the orchestra to the correct starting pitch before the concert began. " sound music communication technology Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. Examples : "The carpenter was keying the mortise and tenon joint of the table leg, ensuring it wouldn't come loose. " technical machine action Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share In the sociology of Erving Goffman, an action or utterance that signals the meaning of interaction to participants. Examples : "The teacher's raised eyebrow was the keying that the student's answer was incorrect, even before she said a word. " theory communication philosophy mind linguistics society human action Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share The input of text or data by means of a keyboard. Examples : "The keying of student names into the database is Maria's main task this afternoon. " computing technology communication machine writing electronics Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share A form of vandalism performed by scratching paint with a key Examples : "The keying on her car left a long, ugly scratch down the side. " property action Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
