keyword

1. One of a fixed set of symbols built into the syntax of a

language. Typical keywords would be if, then, else, print,

goto, while, switch. There are usually restrictions about

reusing keywords as names for user-defined objects such as

variables or procedures. Languages vary as to what is

provided as a keyword and what is a library routine, for

example some languages provide keywords for input/output

operations whereas in others these are library routines.

2. A small set of words designed to convey the subject of a

technical article. Some publications specify a fixed set of

keywords from which those for a particular article should be

chosen.