ˈɪndeks n. & v. --n. (pl. indexes or
esp. in
technical use indices) 1 an
alphabetical list of names, subjects,
etc.,
with references, usu. at
the end of a
book. 2 = card index. 3 (in full index number) a
number showing the
variation of prices or wages as compared with a
chosen base
period (retail
price index; Dow-Jones index). 4
Math. a the
exponent of a number. b the
power to
which it is raised. 5 a a
pointer, esp. on an
instrument, showing a
quantity, a
position on a scale, etc. b an
indicator of a
trend,
direction,
tendency, etc. c (usu. foll. by of) a
sign,
token, or
indication of
something. 6
Physics a number expressing a
physical property etc. in terms of a
standard (refractive index). 7 Computing a set of items
each of which specifies
one of the records of a file
and contains
information about its address. 8 (Index) RC
Ch.
hist. a list of books forbidden to
Roman Catholics to
read. 9
Printing a
symbol shaped like a
pointing hand, used to
draw attention to a
note etc. --v.tr. 1
provide (a book etc.) with an index. 2
enter in an index. 3
relate (wages etc.) to the
value of a price index. øindex
finger the
forefinger. index-linked
related to the value of a
retail price index. øøindexation n. indexer n. indexible adj. indexical adj. indexless adj. [ME f. L index indicis forefinger,
informer, sign:
sense 8 f. L Index librorum prohibitorum list of prohibited books]