Definition

Noun: A keycard is a plastic card, often similar in size to a credit card, that contains a magnetically coded strip or an embedded microchip. This strip or chip is scanned or read by an electronic mechanism to grant access, such as unlocking a door, or to operate a device.

Usage

A keycard is used as a physical key to control entry or operation. It is commonly swiped through, inserted into, or held near a card reader. - Primary Use: To unlock a door, typically for a hotel room, office building, or secure area. - Secondary Use: To activate or operate equipment, such as starting a rental car or accessing a computer terminal.

Examples

• Hotel Access:
  • I lost my keycard and had to get a new one from the front desk to enter my room.
• Office Security:
  • Employees must use their keycards to enter the main building after hours.
• Equipment Operation:
  • The technician used his keycard to activate the laboratory's main printer.

Advanced Usage

• "to program a keycard": To encode a keycard with specific access permissions or data.
  • The IT department will program your new keycard to grant access to the third-floor labs only.
• "keycard access": A system or method of entry controlled by keycards.
  • The new apartment building has keycard access for all common areas.

Variants and Related Words

• Key fob: A small security hardware device with built-in authentication mechanisms, often used alongside or instead of a keycard for keyless entry.
• Access card: A more general term for any card (including keycards, ID cards) used to gain entry to a restricted area.
• Smart card: A type of card with an embedded integrated circuit chip, which can function as a keycard but often has more advanced data storage and processing capabilities.

Synonyms

• Access card
• Security card
• Swiped card (informal, referring to the action used)

Related Phrases

• "Swipe a keycard": To pass a keycard through a card reader.
  • You need to swipe your keycard at the entrance.
• "Tap a keycard": To hold a keycard near a contactless reader.
  • Just tap your keycard on the sensor to open the gate.
• "Keycard entry": Describes a point of entry that requires a keycard.
  • The side door has keycard entry only.

Noun

1. a plastic card that has a magnetically coded strip that is scanned in order to operate a mechanism