lock key

English

The three lock keys, close to the first generation aluminium badge on an IBM Model M Keyboard. This keyboard was minted in 1986.

The three LEDs of Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock, in a COMPAQ keyboard. The Num Lock key can be seen below the LEDs.

Noun

lock key (plural lock keys)

1. Any of certain keys of a computer keyboard that switch between certain states, which may be represented by LEDs.

Usage notes

Most commonly, the lock keys are Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock. Less commonly, there is also F Lock or Office Lock, which controls the behaviour of the function keys. In addition, Insert also switches between states, but it is not represented by a LED.

Further reading

• lock key on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• keylock