cotter key

  • 11Key way — Key Key (k[=e]), n. [OE. keye, key, kay, AS. c[ae]g.] 1. An instrument by means of which the bolt of a lock is shot or drawn; usually, a removable metal instrument fitted to the mechanism of a particular lock and operated by turning in its place …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 12Key wrench — Key Key (k[=e]), n. [OE. keye, key, kay, AS. c[ae]g.] 1. An instrument by means of which the bolt of a lock is shot or drawn; usually, a removable metal instrument fitted to the mechanism of a particular lock and operated by turning in its place …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 13key — key1 [kē] n. pl. keys [ME keye < OE cæge, akin to OFris kei, kēia, to secure, guard] 1. an instrument, usually of metal, for moving the bolt of a lock and thus locking or unlocking something 2. any of several instruments or mechanical devices… …

    English World dictionary

  • 14key — Cotter Cot ter (k[o^]t t[ e]r), n. 1. A piece of wood or metal, commonly wedge shaped, used for fastening together parts of a machine or structure. It is driven into an opening through one or all of the parts. Note: [See Illust.] In the United… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 15Cotter — Cot ter (k[o^]t t[ e]r), n. 1. A piece of wood or metal, commonly wedge shaped, used for fastening together parts of a machine or structure. It is driven into an opening through one or all of the parts. Note: [See Illust.] In the United States a… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 16key — I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cǣg; akin to Old Frisian kēi key Date: before 12th century 1. a. a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned b. any of various devices having the form or function of such a… …

    New Collegiate Dictionary

  • 17key — key1 /kee/, n., pl. keys, adj., v., keyed, keying. n. 1. a small metal instrument specially cut to fit into a lock and move its bolt. 2. any of various devices resembling or functioning as a key: the key of a clock. 3. See key card. 4. something… …

    Universalium

  • 18key — I. /ki / (say kee) noun (plural keys) 1. an instrument for fastening or opening a lock by moving its bolt. 2. a means of attaining, understanding, solving, etc.: the key to a problem. 3. a book or the like containing the solutions or translations …

  • 19cotter — cotter1 /kot euhr/, Mach. n. 1. a pin, wedge, key, or the like, fitted or driven into an opening to secure something or hold parts together. 2. See cotter pin. v.t. 3. to secure with a cotter. [1300 50; ME coter; akin to late ME coterell iron… …

    Universalium

  • 20Cotter drill — Drill Drill, n. 1. An instrument with an edged or pointed end used for making holes in hard substances; strictly, a tool that cuts with its end, by revolving, as in drilling metals, or by a succession of blows, as in drilling stone; also, a drill …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English