klávesa

Klávesa is a term used in Czech and Slovak to denote a key on a keyboard or a keyboard instrument. In computing, a klávesa is any individual key on a computer keyboard or keypad; pressing the klávesa sends a signal to the computer, which can insert a character, execute a command, or trigger an action. Keys are often referred to by their labels, such as Enter, Shift, or Escape. The plural is klávesy, and the entire collection is typically called klávesnica (keyboard) in Czech and Slovak.

In musical contexts, a klávesa is a single key on a keyboard instrument, such as a piano, organ, or harpsichord. The set of keys is called klávesnica. Each klávesa corresponds to a particular pitch. Keyboard instruments use a mechanical or electronic action that produces sound when a key is pressed.

Etymology: The word derives from the Slavic term for "key" and is closely related to the words klávesy and klávesnica; cognates exist in related languages. The root traces back to Latin clavis via medieval European linguistic influence.

Usage notes: In everyday language, phrases such as stlačit klávesu Enter or použít klávesovú skratku are common. In documentation, "klávesa" is used to describe a specific key, and "klávesnica" refers to the entire input device.

The term is standard in Czech and Slovak-language contexts and appears in software localization, computer manuals, and musical terminology.