keyway

[ kee-wey ]

noun

1. Machinery. a groove in a shaft, the hub of a wheel, etc., for receiving part of a key holding it to another part.
2. a slot in a lock for receiving and guiding the key.
3. (in poured-concrete construction) a longitudinal groove in a footing, or in a pour that has set, providing a key for newly poured concrete.
4. a depression or slot carved into rock to provide a bond or anchorage for a structure, as a dam.

keyway

/ ˈkiːˌweɪ /

noun

1. a longitudinal slot cut into a component to accept a key that engages with a similar slot on a mating component to prevent relative motion of the two components

Word History and Origins

Origin of keyway¹

First recorded in 1865–70; key ¹ + way ¹

Example Sentences

The sides and bottom of the keyway should be surfaced true with the file.

From Project Gutenberg

This head is also driven by a key which engages a keyway in the boring-bar.

From Project Gutenberg

When two sets of marks are obtained, the mean must be taken and the keyway cut as shown by the thick lines in fig. 39.

From Project Gutenberg

The flat key is used where it is necessary to secure the wheel more firmly without weakening the shaft by cutting a keyway in it.

From Project Gutenberg

This causes the pin to catch in the front end of the keyway and the sleeve is again locked.

From Project Gutenberg