Etymology

avata +‎ -in, literally “an opening tool, tool for opening”. Compare Livvi avain, Veps avadim.

Pronunciation

• IPA(key): /ˈɑʋɑi̯n/, [ˈɑ̝ʋɑ̝i̯n]
• Rhymes: -ɑʋɑin
• Hyphenation(key): avain.

Noun

avain

1. key (device designed to open and close a lock)
   avaimet käteen -toimitus ― turnkey delivery
2. (figuratively) key (crucial step)
3. (telegraphy) key (device used to transmit Morse code)
4. (chiefly in compounds) wrench, spanner (tool)
   jakoavain ― adjustable wrench / adjustable spanner
   kiintoavain ― non-adjustable wrench / non-adjustable spanner
5. (music) clef (used especially in compound terms)
   Synonyms: klaavi, nuottiavain
   diskanttiavain ― treble clef
   g-avain ― G clef
6. code (set of rules for converting information in a primitive form of cryptography)
7. (cryptography) key (piece of information used to encode or decode)
8. (computing, databases) key (field, potentially unique, used for lookup)

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