noun, verb — 11 senses
US /ˈkiˌhoʊ̯l/
Etymology From key + hole.
The hole in a lock where the key is inserted and turns.
Any small opening resembling the hole for a key in shape or function; especially, one that gives a vista of, or access to, a space beyond.
A small incision through which surgical instruments can reach into an anatomic space beyond.
A circle cut out of a garment as a decorative effect, typically at the front or back neckline of a dress.
Business, Carpentry, Construction, Manufacturing A hole or excavation in beams intended to be joined together, to receive the key that fastens them.
Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A mortise for a key or cotter.
A transient column of vapor or plasma formed when using high energy beams, such as lasers, for welding or cutting.
Engineering, Metallurgy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A welding method in which a hole forms in the surface immediately ahead of the puddle in the direction of welding. The hole is filled as the weld progresses.
Ball games, Basketball, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports The free-throw lane together with the circle surrounding the free-throw line; key.
Astronomy, Natural sciences A gravitational keyhole.
Etymology From key + hole.
Engineering, Firearms, Government, Military, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Politics, Tools, War, Weaponry To strike a target after wobbling in flight so that the long axis of the bullet does not follow the line of flight, typically due to insufficient spin resulting from the rifling in the barrel.
Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.