Electronic key for an electronic lock, said electronic lock having a rectilinear channel that extends along an axis of introduction of the key, said key having: - a body forming a gripping means for turning the key inside the electronic lock, - a rectilinear blade that is able to be introduced, by being moved in translation along the axis of introduction of the key, into the channel of the electronic lock as far as an inserted position inside said electronic lock, - an electric terminal (44-46) situated on the blade of the key, said electric terminal being able, when the blade of the key is in the inserted position inside the electronic lock, to bear mechanically directly against an electrical contact situated in a wall of the rectilinear channel, characterized in that the key has: - a protective cover that is movable between: - an advanced position in which the protective cover entirely covers the electric terminal in order to isolate it mechanically and electrically from the external environment, and - a retracted position in which the protective cover does not cover the electric terminal and allows said electric terminal to bear mechanically against the electrical contact, - a spring which permanently urges the protective cover into its advanced position, and - a stop formed on the protective cover, this stop being able to move the protective cover from its advanced position to its retracted position when the blade of the key is introduced into the channel, by shape cooperation with a corresponding stop of the electronic lock. - a body forming a gripping means for turning the key inside the electronic lock, - a rectilinear blade that is able to be introduced, by being moved in translation along the axis of introduction of the key, into the channel of the electronic lock as far as an inserted position inside said electronic lock, - an electric terminal (44-46) situated on the blade of the key, said electric terminal being able, when the blade of the key is in the inserted position inside the electronic lock, to bear mechanically directly against an electrical contact situated in a wall of the rectilinear channel, - a protective cover that is movable between: - an advanced position in which the protective cover entirely covers the electric terminal in order to isolate it mechanically and electrically from the external environment, and - a retracted position in which the protective cover does not cover the electric terminal and allows said electric terminal to bear mechanically against the electrical contact, - an advanced position in which the protective cover entirely covers the electric terminal in order to isolate it mechanically and electrically from the external environment, and - a retracted position in which the protective cover does not cover the electric terminal and allows said electric terminal to bear mechanically against the electrical contact, - a spring which permanently urges the protective cover into its advanced position, and - a stop formed on the protective cover, this stop being able to move the protective cover from its advanced position to its retracted position when the blade of the key is introduced into the channel, by shape cooperation with a corresponding stop of the electronic lock. <EOS>