kee
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈki// kee
n. a small, flat piece of wood or metal used to keep a wheel or other part from moving on a shaft.
n. a mechanical fastener used to transmit torque by connecting a rotating machine element to a shaft. Often fits into a pre-cut slot or groove to prevent relative motion between the components.
The mechanic replaced the worn kee to secure the gear.
Engineers must ensure the kee is made of a material strong enough to withstand the shear forces during operation.
Failure to properly seat the kee within the keyway can lead to catastrophic mechanical slippage, eventually causing the entire drive assembly to seize under high load conditions.
Usage
Commonly used in mechanical engineering contexts; often spelled 'key' in modern technical manuals.