indexing

in·dex  (ndks)

n. pl. in·dex·es or in·di·ces (-d-sz)

1. Something that serves to guide, point out, or otherwise facilitate reference, especially:

a. An alphabetized list of names, places, and subjects treated in a printed work, giving the page or pages on which each item is mentioned.

b. A thumb index.

c. A table, file, or catalog.

2. Something that reveals or indicates; a sign: "Her face . . . was a fair index to her disposition" Samuel Butler.

3. A character () used in printing to call attention to a particular paragraph or section. Also called fist, hand.

4. An indicator or pointer, as on a scientific instrument.

5.

a. Mathematics A number or symbol, often written as a subscript or superscript to a mathematical expression, that indicates an operation to be performed, an ordering relation, or a use of the associated expression.

b. A number derived from a formula, used to characterize a set of data.

6. Index Roman Catholic Church A list formerly published by Church authority, restricting or forbidding the reading of certain books.

tr.v. in·dexed, in·dex·ing, in·dex·es

1. To furnish with an index: index a book.

2. To enter in an index.

3. To indicate or signal.

4. To adjust through indexation.

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[Middle English, forefinger, from Latin; see deik- in Indo-European roots.]

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indexer n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

indexing - the act of classifying and providing an index in order to make items easier to retrieve classification, compartmentalisation, compartmentalization, assortment, categorisation, categorization - the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type