index

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.
Phrases and idioms:
index finger the forefinger. index-linked related to the value of a retail price index.
Derivatives:
indexation n. indexer n. indexible adj. indexical adj. indexless adj.
Etymology: ME f. L index indicis forefinger, informer, sign: sense 8 f. L Index librorum prohibitorum list of prohibited books