Clavis

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈklæv.ɪs/

Origin

From Latin clāvis.

Full definition of clavis

Noun

1. (archaeology) A Roman key.
• 1873, "Proceedings", April 9th, Journal of the British Archaeological Association, 29: 202Iron clavis, the solid web-shaped at the edges to fit the wards in the lock, and having a pointed broach and a kite-formed looped haft.
2. A device for restraint of the hands.
• 1904, Luther V. Bell, quoted in The Arena, 32: 540His hands were restrained by means of a clavis and bolt (of iron), appropriated to each wrist, and united by a padlock.
3. A glossary.
• 1784, William Cowper, in 1836 Robert Southey (ed.), The Works of William Cowper, with a Life of the Author, volume V, page 54Homer, with a clavis, I have had possession of some years.
4. (biology) A key; an identification guide; a series of logically organized groups of discriminating information which aims to allow the user to correctly identify a taxon.
• 1921, Journal of Botany 59: 180There are many disadvantages in using a clavis intended for another country, which necessarily includes plants that are absent from our islands while it omits some that are present and neglects the peculiarities of our island flora.

Synonyms

• (Roman key) key
• (device for restraint) shackles
• (glossary) glossary, idioticon, vocabulary
• (identification guide) conspectus, key

Related terms

• clavichord