Xu Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Metal (jīn)
Key (yào)
Kangxi stroke count: 25
Page 1326, Entry 01
Guangyun (Guangyun): Pronounced yao (entering tone)
Jiyun (Jiyun), Yunhui (Yunhui), Zhengyun (Zhengyun): Pronounced yao (entering tone)
Shuowen (Shuowen): Originally written as a variant form. It refers to the bolt below the door lock.
Yangzi Fangyan (Fangyan): Regarding the door lock, it is called a key (yao) from the pass and to the west.
Baopuzi (Baopuzi), Zhili Chapter: Firmly secure the jade key at the gate of life, and bind the northern pole at the yellow court.
Also commonly written as the variant form (yue).
Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguoce): The ruler of Qi went to Lu; the people of Lu threw away their keys, and he was not able to enter.
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Chancellor Xiao: When the Emperor went on campaigns, Xiao He always remained behind to guard the keys.
Also means to enter.
Huainanzi (Huainanzi), Yuandao Xun: Pushing aside the heavenly gates, entering the gate of heaven.
Commentary: Key (yao) means to enter.