What's the meaning of master key?

Which key is master key?

A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.

Where did the term master key come from?

Meaning "original of a recording" is by 1904. As an adjective from late 12c. Master-key, one that will open ("master") a number of locks so differently constructed that the key proper to each will open none of the others" is from 1570s.

What is another name for master key?

In this page you can discover 6 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for master-key, like: passe-partout, skeleton-key, passkey, pass�-partout, opener and master.

How does a master key work?

Any key that can open two or more locks is considered a master key. Many master keys use pin and tumbler locks. For a master key to work, though, there must be something called master wafers inside the lock. When the master wafers line up, the key and lock can turn freely.