keynote

English

/ˈkiːˌnoʊt/

noun
Definitions
  • (music) The note on which a musical key is based; the tonic.
  • The main theme of a speech, a written work, or a conference.
  • A speech that sets the main theme of a conference or other gathering; a keynote speech or keynote address.

Etymology

Compound from English key (cay) + English note (mark, notation).

Origin

English

note

Gloss

mark, notation

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms