keyway

American  

[kee-wey] / ˈkiˌweɪ /

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.

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keyway British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of keyway

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

Example Sentences

The corners of the keyway, if to be made square, should be filed out with the corner of a smooth half-round file, because the corners even of safe-edge files do not come up sharp enough.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

If, however, it is driven too forcibly, it may seize or cut, and it will be difficult to get it out, besides damaging both it and the keyway.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

Cotter drills, slotting drills, or keyway drills, three names designating the same tool, are employed to cut out keyways, mortises, or slots.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

If a keyway is to be cut in a shaft the cape chisel should be used in the same manner as above.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

The strap should be set fair with the outside faces, which will bring the keyway fair if it is properly located.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua