Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A tube in a lock designed to support the key.
  • noun The hollow shank or stem of a pipe-key.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • He trained the key-tube, the entrance opened, and through that opening in the instant of its appearance there shot a brittle bulb of glass, whose breaking meant death.

    Triplanetary 1927

  • "I am a poor, ignorant specimen of ape, that can be let play with apparatus, am I?" he rasped, as he picked up the key-tube of the specialist and opened the door of his prison.

    Triplanetary 1927

  • The Nevian physician directed his key-tube upon the transparent wall of the chamber and an opening appeared, an opening which vanished as soon as he had stepped through it; Costigan kicked a valve open; and from various innocent tubes there belched forth into the water of the central lagoon and into the air over it a flood of deadly vapor.

    Triplanetary 1927

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