Meta key

Sun keyboard with meta key (between space bar and Compose key)

The meta key is a special key on MIT keyboards, such as the space-cadet keyboard, and on Sun Microsystems keyboards, marked as a solid diamond.

The key is similar in function to the Macintosh's command key, which has the same location. On keyboards that lack it, the functionality of the meta key, if available at all, may be invoked by other keys such as the Alt key or with the Windows key or the Esc key (as, for example, in Emacs).

See also

• Modifier key