# Kee

/ˈki/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kee
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small, flat piece of wood or metal used to keep a wheel or other part from moving on a shaft.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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 notes

- Commonly used in mechanical engineering contexts; often spelled 'key' in modern technical manuals.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.