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 proper way is to chalk the piece of wood and push it up the keyway just tightly home, then withdraw and fit it again.

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

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

To cut out the square corners of the keyway, the diamond-point chisel shown in Fig.

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

The keyway should be made parallel to the side face of the strap, so that it may be fair with the centre line f in Fig.

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