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

See Examples For:

keyway

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 keyways may be carried along the circumference of the shaft by a square applied to its end face, or if that face is not flat by the ordinary keyway marking tool.

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

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

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

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