index
index Lexical Profile
index Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An alphabetical list of records, names, subjects, or concepts with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book.
"The researcher consulted the index to quickly locate the chapter on molecular biology."
A sign, measure, or indicator of something, often used in economics or statistics to track changes over time.
"The consumer price index is a key metric used by economists to gauge inflation."
A mathematical exponent, or a number that specifies a particular element in a data array or sequence.
"In most programming languages, an array index begins at zero rather than one."
• verb
To record in, compile, or provide a document or database with an alphabetical list of references.
"The software automatically indexes all newly uploaded files to make them instantly searchable."
To link the value of prices, wages, or other payments to a specific economic indicator in order to adjust for inflation.
"The government decided to index public pensions to the current rate of inflation."
To serve as a sign or measure of something.
"Her rapid breathing indexed a rising state of panic."
Word Nuance & Usage
The plural 'indexes' is typically used when referring to alphabetical lists in books, whereas 'indices' is preferred in mathematics, statistics, and economics.
• Rhymes for index
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'index' (plural 'indices'), meaning 'pointer, sign, or informer', derived from the verb 'indicare' (to point out).