What does "master password" mean? What is the meaning of the word "master" in this context? Is it like a master key? A master key operates all locks in a set.

What does "master password" mean? What is the meaning of the word "master" in this context? Is it like a master key? A master key operates all locks in a set. Other keys can each open one lock. The master key doesn't own or otherwise control the other keys. It "lets you in everywhere" directly. A master password is a password used to control access to other passwords. The other passwords are slaves. This is a master-slave metaphor. Also, changing which word you use to refer to a thing is really not that hard.