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.