keyhole

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Datamuse reports no synonyms or antonyms for this word.

Noun

1. The [[hole]] in a [[lock]] where the [[key]] is [[insert]]ed and [[turn]]s.
2. Any small [[opening]] resembling the hole for a key in shape or function; especially, one that gives a vista of, or access to, a space beyond.
3. A [[circle]] cut out of a [[garment]] as a decorative effect, typically at the front or back neckline of a dress.
4. {{lb|en|carpentry}} A hole or excavation in beams intended to be joined together, to receive the key that fastens them.
5. {{lb|en|engineering}} A [[mortise]] for a key or [[cotter]].
6. {{lb|en|lasers}} A [[transient]] [[column]] of [[vapor]] or [[plasma]] formed when using high [[energy]] [[beam]]s, such as lasers, for welding or cutting.
7. {{lb|en|metallurgy}} A [[welding]] method in which a [[hole]] forms in the surface immediately ahead of the puddle in the direction of welding. The hole is filled as the weld progresses.
8. {{lb|en|basketball}} The free-throw lane together with the circle surrounding the free-throw line; [[key]].
9. {{lb|en|astronomy}} A [[gravitational keyhole]].

Verb

1. {{lb|en|firearms}} To strike a target after wobbling in flight so that the long axis of the bullet does not follow the line of flight, typically due to insufficient spin resulting from the rifling in the barrel.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.