noun
key
A low island or reef.
The boat passes a low, sandy key beyond the harbor.
Etymology
The Spanish word names a small island or cay. English key preserves that coastal landform sense, especially in names of low islands and reefs.
More examples
- Mangroves cover much of the small key.
- Several keys are barely visible above the blue water.
- The storm washes sand across the exposed key.
Forms
key · keys
Similar words
- islet
- A small island, without necessarily being low or part of a reef.
- cay
- Cay is another spelling for a low island, particularly in tropical waters; key is common in place names such as the Florida Keys.