key

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key
1. A value used to identify a member of a set. Usually the elements of the set are records (n-tuples), in which one of the fields holds the key. Variations allow multiple key fields or any field to be used as a key.

2. A value used to establish authority to access particular information. See locks and keys.

3. A value used as a basis for encryption. See cryptography.

4. See keyboard.

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