clef

clef n

Fr. < L. clav-em, key.

  1. Musical key; system of notes; set of tones related to each other; scheme of chord progressions based upon a key-note; [fig.] transcription scheme; opening character on a musical staff; five parallel horizontal lines in which a piece of music is written; [metaphor] superscription; proclamation of Christ's royal status (see Mark 15:25-26; Luke 23:38).