keyways

Meanings

1. 1nounpluraltechnical

   Long narrow slots cut into a shaft or a wheel to hold a key that stops the parts from slipping.

   Grammar: This is the plural form. The singular is 'keyway'. Use it with plural verbs: 'The keyways are worn.'

   Patterns

   • cut keyways
   • keyways in a shaft
   • worn keyways

   The mechanic checked the keyways for cracks before reassembling the motor.

   Over time, the keyways can become rounded and the pulley will wobble.

   New keyways were machined into the shaft to fit the replacement gear.

2. 2nounpluraltechnical

   In a lock, the shaped opening that a key must fit through to turn the mechanism.

   Grammar: Also used in the singular 'keyway'. It refers to the shape of the hole, not the whole lock.

   Patterns

   • the keyway of a lock
   • fit the keyway
   • keyways are different

   These two keys look similar but their keyways are completely different.

   A locksmith can widen the keyway if your key gets stuck.

   The keyways in old locks are often simpler than modern ones.

Word forms

Common combinations

cut a keyway

The machinist had to cut a keyway into the new axle.

keyway slot

Clean the keyway slot before you insert the key.

worn keyways

Worn keyways can cause the wheel to slip on the shaft.

keyway broach

A keyway broach is a tool used to cut these slots.

Synonyms and how they differ

slot

A general word for any narrow opening; 'keyway' is the precise engineering term.

groove

A long narrow cut, but not necessarily shaped to hold a key.

Word family

key noun

The small piece of metal that fits into a keyway to lock two parts together.

keyed adjective

Describing a shaft or wheel that has a keyway cut into it.

Commonly confused: keyways or keyhole? keyways or keyboard?

Practice

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