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Pronunciation: (in'deks), [key]
n., pl. -dex•es, -di•cesPronunciation: (-du-sēz"), [key]

2. a sequential arrangement of material, esp. in alphabetical or numerical order.
4. something that directs attention to some fact, condition, etc.; a guiding principle.
5. a pointer or indicator in a scientific instrument.
6. a piece of wood, metal, or the like, serving as a pointer or indicator.
7. Computers.
b. a reference table that contains the keys or references needed to address data items.
8. Also called fist, hand. Print.a sign in the shape of a hand with extended index finger, used to point out a particular note, paragraph, etc.
9. a light, smooth cardboard stock.
10. the forefinger.
12. Statistics.See index number.
13. Econ.See price index.
14. Algebra.
a. an exponent.
b. the integer n in a radical  root n of defining the n-th root:  root 3 of 7 is a radical having index three.
c. a subscript or superscript indicating the position of an object in a series of similar objects, as the subscripts 1, 2, and 3 in the series x1, x2, x3.
d. See winding number.
15. Horol.a leverlike regulator for a hairspring.
16. (cap.) Rom. Cath. Ch.
a. See Index Librorum Prohibitorum.
b. See Index Expurgatorius.
17. (usually cap.) any list of forbidden or otherwise restricted material deemed morally or politically harmful by authorities: an Index of disapproved books relating to Communism.
18. Optics.See index of refraction.
19. Obs.
a. a table of contents.
b. a preface or prologue.

1. to provide with an index, as a book.
2. to enter in an index, as a name or topic.
3. to serve to indicate: warm breezes indexing the approach of spring.
6. Econ.to adjust (wages, taxes, etc.) automatically according to changes in the cost-of-living level or another economic indicator, esp. to offset inflation.


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