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.