English

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Etymology

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From work +‎ word, perhaps as a calque of Dutch werkwoord (verb).

Noun

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workword (plural workwords)

  1. (rare) The operative word, especially in a thought, phrase, or idea; keyword.
    • 1945, The Log, volume 40, page 35:
      In peace, as in war, speed will be the workword. The less time required to rig and properly operate heavy-duty cranes and cargo lifts, the more tonnage you can handle.

Synonyms

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