indices

UK: ˈɪndɪsiːz | US: ˈɪndɪsiːz

Definition

  1. n. plural form of index (a systematic list or guide, often alphabetical or numerical)

  2. n. (Mathematics) symbols or numbers used to identify elements in an array or sequence

  3. n. (Economics) statistical measures tracking economic data (e.g., stock market indices)

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

Derived from Latin index ("indicator, forefinger, list"), from indicare ("to point out"). The plural indices preserves the Latin nominative plural form, while indexes follows English pluralization rules. The root dex (from dic- "to say/show") appears in related words like indicate and diction. The word evolved from physical pointing (finger) to abstract referencing (lists, indicators).

Examples

  1. The book’s indices help locate topics quickly.

  2. Array indices in programming start at 0 or 1, depending on the language.

  3. Global stock indices fluctuated sharply during the crisis.

  4. Ancient libraries used wax tablets as indices for scroll collections.

  5. The scientist compared indices of refraction for different materials.