modifier key
nounUK /ˈmɒdɪfaɪə kiː/
US /ˈmɑːdɪfaɪər kiː/
A special key on a keyboard that you hold down with another key to do a different action.
Hold the Shift modifier key while you press the letter to make it a capital.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A key that changes how other keys behave when pressed together.
The Ctrl key is a modifier key that turns C into a copy command.
3. Any key used in combination to trigger a shortcut.
You need a modifier key plus the arrow to select text.
4. A key that alters the input of another key rather than typing a character itself.
Pressing the modifier key alone does nothing on the screen.