[countable, usually singular] a thing that makes you able to achieve or understand sth关键；要诀◆In our industry, the key to success is minimizing costs. 在我们这个行业，成功的关键是减少成本。◆This plan holds (= is) the key to development in the region.这个计划是这一地区发展的关键。◆(especially NAmE) The key is to work as a team.关键是要大家互相合作。 [countable] any of the buttons that you press to operate a computer（电脑的）键◆ Press the escape key to quit the program.按退出键退出程序。 Alt key control key escape key hot key scroll key shift key