Definitions for: Index


[n] the finger next to the thumb
[n] an alphabetical listing of names and topics along with page numbers where they are discussed
[n] a number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts; can reveal relative changes as a function of time
[n] a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself
[n] a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number
[v] adjust through indexation; "The government indexes wages and prices"
[v] provide with an index, as of a book
[v] list in an index



Webster (1913) Definition: In"dex, n.; pl. E. Indexes, L. Indices(?). [L.: cf.
F. index. See Indicate, Diction.]
1. That which points out; that which shows, indicates,
manifests, or discloses.

Tastes are the indexes of the different qualities of
plants. --Arbuthnot.

2. That which guides, points out, informs, or directs; a
pointer or a hand that directs to anything, as the hand of
a watch, a movable finger on a gauge, scale, or other
graduated instrument. In printing, a sign [[hand]] used to
direct particular attention to a note or paragraph; --
called also fist.



3. A table for facilitating reference to topics, names, and
the like, in a book; -- usually alphabetical in
arrangement, and printed at the end of the volume.

4. A prologue indicating what follows. [Obs.] --Shak.

5. (Anat.) The second digit, that next pollex, in the manus,
or hand; the forefinger; index finger.

6. (Math.) The figure or letter which shows the power or root
of a quantity; the exponent. [In this sense the plural is
always indices.]

Index error, the error in the reading of a mathematical
instrument arising from the zero of the index not being in
complete adjustment with that of the limb, or with its
theoretically perfect position in the instrument; a
correction to be applied to the instrument readings equal
to the error of the zero adjustment.

Index expurgatorius. [L.] See Index prohibitorius
(below).

Index finger. See Index, 5.

Index glass, the mirror on the index of a quadrant,
sextant, etc.

Index hand, the pointer or hand of a clock, watch, or other
registering machine; a hand that points to something.

Index of a logarithm (Math.), the integral part of the
logarithm, and always one less than the number of integral
figures in the given number. It is also called the
characteristic.

Index of refraction, or Refractive index (Opt.), the
number which expresses the ratio of the sine of the angle
of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction. Thus
the index of refraction for sulphur is 2, because, when
light passes out of air into sulphur, the sine of the
angle of incidence is double the sine of the angle of
refraction.

Index plate, a graduated circular plate, or one with
circular rows of holes differently spaced; used in
machines for graduating circles, cutting gear teeth, etc.


Index prohibitorius [L.], or Prohibitory index (R. C.
Ch.), a catalogue of books which are forbidden by the
church to be read; the index expurgatorius [L.], or
expurgatory index, is a catalogue of books from which
passages marked as against faith or morals must be removed
before Catholics can read them. These catalogues are
published with additions, from time to time, by the
Congregation of the Index, composed of cardinals,
theologians, etc., under the sanction of the pope. --Hook.

Index rerum [L.], a tabulated and alphabetized notebook,
for systematic preservation of items, quotations, etc.


In"dex, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indexed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Indexing.]
To provide with an index or table of references; to put into
an index; as, to index a book, or its contents.


In"dex, n.
The ratio, or formula expressing the ratio, of one dimension
of a thing to another dimension; as, the vertical index of
the cranium.

Synonyms: exponent, forefinger, index finger, index number, indicant, indicator, power

See Also: back matter, business index, concordance, cross-index, degree, determine, end matter, fact, finger, furnish, graduated table, influence, key word, leading indicator, list, list, listing, log, logarithm, margin of error, margin of safety, mathematical notation, mold, ordered series, price index, price level, provide, regulate, render, safety margin, scale, scale of measurement, shape, short account, stock index, stock market index, supply

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
i letter animals
animals beginning with p