index
Definitions
An alphabetical list of names or topics at the end of a book, with page numbers
索引
A number or figure used to measure or compare something over time
指数，指标
To make an index of; to record or arrange systematically
为…编索引；将…编入索引
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedLatin index 'one that points out, a pointer' (in- 'toward' + the dic-/dex- root of dicāre 'point out'). It first named the index finger — the pointing finger. From 'pointer' it spread: the pointer at the back of a book (the index), then a number that 'points to' a trend (a price index).
Root dic still carries 82 more wordsWhy It Means This
A surprising relative of 'say.' The Latin index meant 'pointer,' from the same dic- root as indicate. The index finger is the one we point with; a book's index points you to the right page; an economic index points to where prices or markets stand. Every sense is about something doing the pointing.
Usage Guide
Two plurals: indexes (lists in books, general use) and indices (mathematics, science, statistics — e.g. stock indices). pos: also a verb (to index documents), not only a noun.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Use the index at the back to find the topic you need.
- 2.
The consumer price index rose by two percent last month.
- 3.
All the documents are indexed by date and author.