First Known Use: 1561
Dictionary
1index
noun in·dex \ˈin-ˌdeks\
plural in·dex·es or in·di·ces \-də-ˌsēz\
Definition of INDEX
1
a : a device (as the pointer on a scale or the gnomon of a sundial) that serves to indicate a value or quantity b : something (as a physical feature or a mode of expression) that leads one to a particular fact or conclusion : indication
2
: a list (as of bibliographical information or citations to a body of literature) arranged usually in alphabetical order of some specified datum (as author, subject, or keyword): as a : a list of items (as topics or names) treated in a printed work that gives for each item the page number where it may be found b : thumb index c : a bibliographical analysis of groups of publications that is usually published periodically d : a list of publicly traded companies and their stock prices
3
: a list of restricted or prohibited material; specifically capitalized : a formerly published list of books the reading of which was prohibited or restricted for Roman Catholics by the church authorities
4
plural usually indices : a number or symbol or expression (as an exponent) associated with another to indicate a mathematical operation to be performed or to indicate use or position in an arrangement <3 is the index of the expression ∛5 to indicate the cube root of 5>
5
: a character F used to direct attention to a note or paragraph —called also fist
6
a : a number (as a ratio) derived from a series of observations and used as an indicator or measure; specifically : index number b : the ratio of one dimension of a thing (as an anatomical structure) to another dimension
See index defined for English-language learners
See index defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of INDEX
Latin indic-, index, from indicare to indicate
Rhymes with INDEX
2index
verb
: to provide an index for (something, such as a book)
: to list or include (something) in an index
: to link wages, benefits, etc., to a measurement of changes in the price of goods and services so that they increase at the same rate
Full Definition of INDEX
transitive verb
1
a : to provide with an index b : to list in an index <all persons and places mentioned are carefully indexed>
2
: to serve as an index of
3
: to regulate (as wages, prices, or interest rates) by indexation
intransitive verb
: to index something
— in·dex·er noun
See index defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INDEX
1720
INDEX[1] Defined for Kids
1index
noun in·dex \ˈin-ˌdeks\
plural in·dex·es or in·di·ces \ˈin-də-ˌsēz\
Definition of INDEX for Kids
1
: a list of names or topics (as in a book) given in alphabetical order and showing where each is to be found
2
: pointer 1 <the index on a scale>
3
: 1sign 3, indication <Prices are an index of business conditions.>
2index
verb
in·dexedin·dex·ing
Definition of INDEX for Kids
1
: to provide (as a book) with an index
2
: to list in an index <The topics are indexed.>
Medical Dictionary
index
noun in·dex \ˈin-ˌdeks\
plural in·dex·es or in·di·ces \-də-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of INDEX
1
2
: a list (as of bibliographical information or citations to a body of literature) arranged usually in alphabetical order of some specified datum (as author, subject, or keyword) <Index Medicus of the United States National Library of Medicine>
3
a : a ratio or other number derived from a series of observations and used as an indicator or measure (as of a condition, property, or phenomenon) <physiochemical indexes of the urine, the blood, and the gastric juice—Journal of the American Medical Association> b : the ratio of one dimension of a thing (as an anatomical structure) to another dimension—see cephalic index, cranial index
Learn More About INDEX
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: indexationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: indevoutAll Words Near: index
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up index? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).