Cheia

Cheia is a Romanian word that functions as the definite form of the feminine noun cheie, meaning "the key." In everyday language, cheie denotes a physical key used to operate locks, and the definite form cheia is used when referring to a specific key.

Beyond its lexical use, cheia is also a toponym in Romania. The best-known instance is Cheia, a commune in Prahova County, located in the historical region of Muntenia in the foothills of the Carpathians. The commune is part of a mountainous area that features rural communities and local administration. The name Cheia is also found in other minor localities and geographic features within the country, reflecting a common practice of using everyday nouns as place names.

In summary, cheia operates as both a common noun in Romanian vocabulary and as a place name in Romanian geography, illustrating how language and geography intersect through toponymy.