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.

Noun

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