What Does key Mean
When determining the etymological origin of the term key we have to make it clear that it is found in the sum of two words belonging to different languages. Specifically, we have to make it clear that it is the result of the union of the Latin word thecula , which can be translated as “small box”, and the Arabic term tagra , which is synonymous with “bowl”.
A key is a button, part or device that allows you to activate a function . The keys are present in many electronic or electrical devices and are usually pressed with a finger.
For example: "I broke a key on my phone" , "I can't find the delete key on this keypad" , "The front panel of my new car has so many keys that it is hard for me to remember each function" .
Among the many devices that have formed or are part of our life and that have keys, we would have to highlight calculators, mobile phones, television controls, typewriters, ATMs ...
The logic of electronic devices indicates that the keys work like an electrical switch with two contacts: one performs a function and the other performs the reverse function. If the key is pressed, the function is open; if the key is not pressed, the function is closed.
In addition to the physical or traditional keys , there are virtual keys that appear on touch screens. These types of keys usually appear in automatic teller machines or ATMs, in which the user must press the screen to choose between different options (request the balance of an account, withdraw money , etc.).
The overpopulation of keys can cause problems for the user, who is disoriented by so many possibilities. That is why it is common for devices to try to display only the keys that are essential for their use.
In the field of computing , keys are the pieces gathered on the keyboard that contain letters, numbers or signs. These keys allow you to enter information into a computer : "I want to buy a keyboard that includes the Ñ key . "
In any computer we have to make it clear that the keyboard is made up of several clearly delimited areas. Thus, there are the function keys, which are those that allow a task to be carried out directly; the alphanumeric keys, which are the letters and numbers; the number keys, which have the numbers arranged like on a calculator; and the special keys, among which are, for example, the arrow keys to move around the entire screen.
Musical instruments, finally, also contain keys to being pressed, emit sound: the keys of the piano , the keys of the organ .
However, we cannot ignore the existence of another meaning for the term key at hand. Thus, for example, in Peru the same word is used to refer to an old woman.
In addition to all the above, it is worth noting that there are different colloquial expressions that use this term key. One of them would be to “give someone on the key”. It is a verbal locution with which it becomes clear that that person has fully succeeded when carrying out a specific action.