index
word
Definition
An alphabetical list at the back of a book showing topics and page numbers, or a number that measures changes in prices, values, or conditions over time (e.g., stock market index).
Usage & Nuances
Plural can be 'indexes' (general/computing) or 'indices' (mathematics/finance). 'Index finger' is the pointing finger. In computing, an index speeds up database searches. As a verb, 'to index' means to create an index or adjust values according to an index (e.g., wages indexed to inflation).
Example Sentences
The consumer price index is one of the most closely watched economic indicators.
natural
Look in the index at the back of the book to find the topic.
basic
The stock market index dropped by two percent today.
basic
Point with your index finger to show me where it hurts.
basic
We need to index these salaries to inflation so workers don't lose purchasing power.
natural
Adding a database index on the email column cut our query time in half.
natural