key word

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key word

A librarian writes a key word on a catalog card.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A significant word used in indexing or cataloging: A word that is chosen to represent the main content or subject of a document, making it easier to organize, search, and retrieve information.
    • A word used as a pattern to decode an encrypted message: In cryptography, a specific word that serves as a clue or a part of the key to decipher a secret code.
Usage Examples
  • Noun (Indexing):
    • The librarian suggested using 'climate change' and 'renewable energy' as key words for my research paper.
    • When submitting an article online, you must list relevant key words so readers can find it easily.
  • Noun (Cryptography):
    • The spy novel described how the agent needed the correct key word to unlock the secret document.
    • In the puzzle, the phrase 'rosebud' was the key word that decrypted the entire message.
Advanced Usage
  • "To identify/extract key words": The process of finding the most important terms in a text.
    • The software can automatically identify key words from a long document.
  • "Key word in context (KWIC)": A specific method in information retrieval where a key word is displayed within the surrounding text.
    • The search engine provided a KWIC index, showing each key word with a few lines of context.
Variants and Related Words
  • Keyword (noun, often written as one word): A variant spelling with the same meanings, commonly used in computing and digital contexts (e.g., internet search keywords).
    • She optimized her blog post by including popular keywords.
  • Key phrase (noun): A sequence of words that functions as a single unit for indexing or searching.
    • For this topic, 'artificial intelligence ethics' is a more precise key phrase than a single word.
Synonyms
  • Index term: A word or phrase used in a catalog or database to describe a subject.
  • Descriptor: A term used to identify a subject in an information retrieval system.
  • Cipher key: The specific piece of information needed to decrypt a code (specific to the cryptography meaning).
Related Phrases
  • Key word search (noun phrase): The act of looking for information using specific important words.
    • A simple key word search returned thousands of results.
  • To enter a key word (verb phrase): To type a significant word into a search field.
    • Please enter a key word in the search box to begin.
Related Idioms
  • "The key word is...": A phrase used in speech or writing to emphasize the most important term in a statement or argument.
    • We offer flexibility—and the key word is 'offer,' as it's not mandatory.
key word

A librarian writes a key word on a catalog card.

Noun
  1. a significant word used in indexing or cataloging
  2. a word that is used as a pattern to decode an encrypted message