French

Alternative forms

• clef (less common)

Noun

clé f ‎(plural clés)

1. key (device for unlocking)
2. key (essential attribute)

   La différence est la clé de l'existence.‎

   Difference is the key to existence.

3. wrench, spanner

Derived terms

Related terms

• serrure f
• verrou m

Irish

Alternative forms

• clí (Galway)

Etymology

From Old Irish clé, from Proto-Celtic *klēyā, substantivization of the adjective *klēyos ‎(“left(hand)”). Cognate with Scottish Gaelic clì and Welsh cledd.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /clʲeː/
• (Galway) IPA^(key): /clʲiː/ (corresponding to the form clí)

Noun

clé f ‎(genitive singular clé)

1. left (side opposite right)

Declension

• Archaic dative singular: clí

Mutation

References

• “clé” in Dictionary of the Irish Language, Royal Irish Academy, 1913–76.
• “clé” in Foclóir Gaeḋilge agus Béarla, Irish Texts Society, 1927, by Patrick S. Dinneen.
• "clé" in Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla, An Gúm, 1977, by Niall Ó Dónaill.

Karankawa

Alternative forms

• clay
• glé’

Noun

clé

1. water

Synonyms

• comcom

References

• Anthony P. Grant, Karankawa Linguitic Materials, Kansas Working Papers in Linguistics, volume 19, number 2 (1994)