index

The definition of an index is a guide, list or sign, or a number used to measure change.

(noun)

An example of an index is a list of employee names, addresses and phone numbers.
An example of an index is a stock market index which is based on a standard set at a particular time.

Index is defined as to categorize or list, or to make adjustments automatically based on a particular changing statistic.

(verb)

See index in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. indexes or indices

index finger
a pointer or indicator, as the needle on a dial
a thing that points out; indication; sign; representation: performance is an index of ability
1. an alphabetical list of names, subjects, etc. together with the page numbers where they appear in the text, usually placed at the end of a book or other publication
2. thumb index
3. a list describing the items of a collection and where they may be found; catalog: a library index
4. Index Librorum Prohibitorum
5. Index Expurgatorius
6. a periodical that lists books according to subject, with publishing information and summary of contents
1. the relation or ratio of one amount or dimension to another, or the formula expressing this relation: cranial index
2. a number used to measure change in prices, wages, employment, production, etc.: it shows percentage variation from an arbitrary standard, usually 100, representing the status at some earlier time
  in full index number
Math.
1. exponent (sense )
2. a subscript
3. an integer or symbol placed above and to the left of a radical: ,
Printing a sign  calling attention to something; fist

Origin: L, informer, that which points out < indicare, indicate

transitive verb

1. to make an index of or for
2. to include in an index
3. to supply with a thumb index
to be an index, or sign, of; indicate
to adjust (wages, interest rates, etc.) automatically to changes in the cost of living

Related Forms:

See index in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. in·dex·es or in·di·ces (-dĭ-sēzˌ)

Something that serves to guide, point out, or otherwise facilitate reference, especially:
a. An alphabetized list of names, places, and subjects treated in a printed work, giving the page or pages on which each item is mentioned.
b. A thumb index.
c. A table, file, or catalog.
d. Computer Science A list of keywords associated with a record or document, used especially as an aid in searching for information.
Something that reveals or indicates; a sign: “Her face . . . was a fair index to her disposition” (Samuel Butler).
A character (☞) used in printing to call attention to a particular paragraph or section. Also called fist, hand.
An indicator or pointer, as on a scientific instrument.
a. Mathematics A number or symbol, often written as a subscript or superscript to a mathematical expression, that indicates an operation to be performed, an ordering relation, or a use of the associated expression.
b. A number derived from a formula, used to characterize a set of data.
A number that represents the change in price or value of an aggregate of goods, services, wages, or other measurable quantity in comparison with a reference number for a previous period of time.
Index Roman Catholic Church A list formerly published by Church authority, restricting or forbidding the reading of certain books.