verbπShareTo fit (a lock) with a key."The locksmith is keying the new lock to match my house key. "utilitytechnicalbuildingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo fit (pieces of a mechanical assembly) with a key to maintain the orientation between them."The mechanic was carefully keying the pulley onto the shaft to ensure it spun correctly and wouldn't slip. "technicalmachineindustryChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo mark or indicate with a symbol indicating membership in a class."The librarian was keying each new book with a special sticker to show it belonged to the children's section. "marksignactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(telegraphy and radio telegraphy) To depress (a telegraph key)."The telegraph operator was quickly keying a message across the country. "technologycommunicationelectronicstechnicalsignalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo operate (the transmitter switch of a two-way radio)."The dispatcher was keying the microphone to alert all patrol cars. "communicationelectronicstechnologysignalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(more usually to key in) To enter (information) by typing on a keyboard or keypad."Our instructor told us to key in our user IDs."technologycomputingcommunicationinternetmachineelectronicsChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo vandalize (a car, etc.) by scratching with an implement such as a key."He keyed the car that had taken his parking spot."propertyactionpolicevehicleChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo link (as one might do with a key or legend)."The teacher keying the chart showed which colors represented different types of flowers. "communicationtechnologycomputinginternetChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo be identified as a certain taxon when using a key."After careful observation of its leaf shape and flower structure, the student was keying this plant to the genus Acer using the field guide. "biologyscienceorganismChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo modify (an advertisement) so as to target a particular group or demographic."The marketing team is keying the online ads to specifically target young adults interested in gaming. "mediabusinesscommunicationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo attune to; to set at; to pitch."The conductor was keying the orchestra to the correct starting pitch before the concert began. "soundmusiccommunicationtechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges."The carpenter was keying the mortise and tenon joint of the table leg, ensuring it wouldn't come loose. "technicalmachineactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareIn the sociology of Erving Goffman, an action or utterance that signals the meaning of interaction to participants."The teacher's raised eyebrow was the keying that the student's answer was incorrect, even before she said a word. "theorycommunicationphilosophymindlinguisticssocietyhumanactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe input of text or data by means of a keyboard."The keying of student names into the database is Maria's main task this afternoon. "computingtechnologycommunicationmachinewritingelectronicsChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA form of vandalism performed by scratching paint with a key"The keying on her car left a long, ugly scratch down the side. "propertyactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading