indexes Definition

index
noun indexes, indices

technical:
1. An alphabetical list of names, subjects, etc dealt with in a book, usually given at the end of that book, and with the page numbers on which each item appears. Compare thumb index.
2. In a library, etc: a catalogue or set of reference cards which lists each book, magazine, etc alphabetically, usually by author or title, and gives details of where it is shelved.
3. Anything which points to, identifies or highlights a particular trend or condition.

Thesaurus: indicator, indicant, pointer, guide, token, symbol.
4. A scale of numbers which shows changes in price, wages, rates of interest, etc.

Example: retail price index
5. math.
An exponent (sense 3).
6. physics.
A numerical quantity, usually one lacking units, that indicates the magnitude of a particular physical effect.
Example: refractive index
7. geol.
A fossil or mineral that characterizes a particular type of rock.
8. RC Church.
An official list of prohibited books.
Form: Index
9. printing.
A fist (noun 4).
10. now rare
A hand or pointer on a dial or scale.

verb indexed, indexing

1. To provide (a book, etc) with an index.
2. To list something in an index.
3. To relate (prices, wages, etc) to an index (see index noun 4 above), so that they may rise or fall accordingly; to make something index-linked.

Etymology: 16c; 14c: from Latin, meaning ‘informer' or ‘forefinger'.