võti

Võti, meaning “key” in Estonian, refers to a small instrument used to operate locks, such as doors or vehicles, and to figurative uses indicating access or a solution.

Physical keys are typically made of metal and have a blade with cuts or bittings that align with pins in a lock cylinder. The key’s shape depends on the lock design. Common forms include flat keys with grooved edges; newer types include dimple or tubular keys, and many modern keys integrate electronic components. Car keys often contain transponder chips or other electronics to enable ignition or remote locking.

Key types can be categorized as mechanical or electronic. Mechanical keys include pin tumbler, wafer, and lever keys, as well as master and restricted keys designed for controlled redistribution. Electronic or digital keys encompass smart keys, fobs, and proximity keys that use radio or contactless technologies. Some key systems combine mechanical and electronic elements for added security.

In computing and information security, võti denotes a cryptographic key used to encrypt and decrypt data. There are symmetric keys, where the same secret is used for encryption and decryption, and asymmetric key pairs, which use a public key and a private key. Key management, storage, rotation, and protection are critical to maintaining security, often involving dedicated hardware security modules.

Metaphorically, võti is used to describe the essential factor or solution to a problem, such as the key to understanding a concept or the key to a successful outcome.