Index Means the Pointing Finger
An index is an alphabetical list of contents. The Latin word means one who points out, which is also why it names a finger.
An index is an alphabetical list showing where topics appear, or a number showing a value relative to a base. Latin *index* means one who points out, from *indicare*, to indicate — which is why the *index finger* carries the name too. A book's index points to a page, the index finger points at a thing, and a price index points to a level. The Latin plural *indices* is used in mathematics; *indexes* elsewhere.
- A list of contents. *Check the index.*
- A measure. *The consumer price index.*
- Index finger. *Point with your index finger.*
- Indices — the mathematical plural. *Powers and indices.*
- Latin — *indicare*, to point out. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | index | A full index. |
| Plural | indexes | Two indexes. |
| Latin plural | indices | Indices. |
| Verb | index | Index the book. |
| Related | indicate | Indicate it. |
- The index runs to forty pages.Books.
- The index rose by two points.Economics.
- Powers are written with indices.Mathematics.
Indexes or indices?
- Indexes — books, databases, general use
- Indices — mathematics and some sciences
- Both are correct, and the field decides
- Index finger — the pointing finger, second from the thumb
- Index-linked — adjusted in line with a measure such as inflation
Latin *index*, one who points out or an informer, from *indicare*, to point out, from *in-* plus *dicare*, to proclaim.
Is it indexes or indices?
Both. Indexes for books and general use, indices in mathematics and science.
Why is it called the index finger?
Because it is the finger used for pointing, and index means one who points out.