What is a key? Many meanings of the word

What is a key? This is a device for opening the lock. First of all, this is what comes to mind, however, this word has several more meanings. About what a key is, about its varieties and types will be described in the proposed essay.

Interpretation of the term

Considering the meaning of the word "key", attention should be paid to its interpretation in dictionaries. They say that it is:

  • a special tool that is designed to open the lock;
  • source (spring) - the natural exit of water from underground to the surface;
  • in music - a special sign that determines the value of the sound pitch of notes;
  • secret information that is used by a special algorithm in cryptography to encrypt and also decrypt encoded messages;
  • rivers in several regions of Russia;
  • several villages and villages on the territory of Russia;
  • movie title;
  • headings of fiction novels.

As follows from the dictionaries, this word is pleased with many meanings, some of which will be discussed in more detail.

A source

The key, spring, source is a natural, natural exit to the surface of groundwater. They are underwater and land. The formation of sources is influenced by several factors:

  • the intersection of aquifers with displacement of the soil and changes in reliefs;
  • geological structural features of the area, for example, the presence of cracks, disturbed tectonic zones;
  • composition and density of soils.
Key, spring, source

Keys are pressure (ascending) and pressure-free (descending), as well as permanent and temporary (seasonal). Sources are divided according to temperature indicators - they are cold, hot, warm and boiling.

There is a hydrological classification, which includes three groups:

  • artesian;
  • high water;
  • unpaved.

This classification separates the keys according to their power sources, that is, where the spring comes from. Also, in the sources, the composition of water can vary significantly, where certain elements prevail. To date, the three largest keys are known - this is Vaucluse in France, Aashtopf in Germany and the Red Key located in Russia.

Musical and economic use

Continuing to study what a key is, you need to talk about it in music. This is the name of the linear notation mark that is used when writing notes. This key indicates what pitch will be played by the note next to it. Without this sign, writing notes, and therefore creating music, would be impossible.

Key with lock

When answering a question about what a key is, one should recall the subject that millions of doors open daily. This is a specially made tool that is unique, made of metal and designed to open locks. Keys are made of copper, iron, steel and other metals. Currently, there are magnetic and electronic keys that are considered more reliable than those made of metal. Manufacturers claim that it is almost impossible to fake a magnetic or electronic key.

Open end wrench

The key is also called the tool, which is necessary for tightening the nuts and bolts. They are also known as the "wrench." They come in various sizes, from a few millimeters to 20 centimeters. Wrenches are divided into open-end wrenches, adjustable wrenches and capitate. Without them, the work of mechanics and locksmiths would have been simply impossible.

Encryption key

In telling what the key means, you need to mention the encryption in which they are used. In encoding or encryption, this is classified information intended to decode or encode messages, calculate the authenticity code, and verify and sign digitally.

Electronic network key

These characters have different lengths and a huge variety of characters. Encryption keys have been used since time immemorial. This was done so that the message, if it was intercepted, could not be read. That is, only one who had the encryption key could read it, moreover, with its help it was possible to write an answer.

Currently, such information tools are used in various fields, the most common being the Internet, with the help of which millions of terabytes of encrypted data are transmitted every second.

As follows from the article, the word "key" has several meanings and in each case in any area simply can not do without its use.


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