index etymology

Etymology

The word "index" is derived from the Latin word "index," which means "indicator" or "pointer." It ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "deik-," meaning "to show" or "to point."

Meaning

An index refers to:

• A list or table of items or references: An index serves as a guide to the content of a book, document, or database, providing quick access to specific information.
• A measure of a phenomenon: An index can also be a numerical value or ratio that indicates the level or trend of a particular variable or phenomenon, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).
• A body part that points or grasps: In anatomy, an index is a finger or toe that can be used for pointing or gripping objects.

Origin

The concept of an index as a reference guide originated in ancient Greece. In the 3rd century BC, the philosopher Callimachus of Cyrene created the "Pinakes," a comprehensive catalog of all the books in the Library of Alexandria. This catalog contained brief descriptions and location information for each book, serving as an early form of an index.

Over time, the term "index" came to be used more broadly to refer to any list or table that serves as a guide to a larger work or collection. It was not until the 19th century that the term was adopted in the context of numerical measures of phenomena.

index relate terms

• diction

  Etymology From Middle English dictioun from Old French diccion modern diction ultim

• indexation

  Etymology The word indexation is derived from the Latin word index which means a po

• index

  Etymology The word index is derived from the Latin word index which means indicator

• exponent

  Etymology The word exponent comes from the Latin word exponere which means to set

• power

  Etymology Old French pouer Latin potere to be able Proto Indo European root pot

• repertory

  Etymology repertory noun French répertoire from repertoirs plural of répertoire

• consumer

  The word consumer comes from the Latin word consumere which means to consume This

• catalogue

  Etymology The word catalogue originates from the Greek word katálogos which means

• finger

  Etymology The word finger is derived from several ancient Proto Indo European roots

• concordance

  Etymology Old French concordance Latin concordantia Meaning An agreement or corres

• render

  Etymology Old French rendre Late Latin reddere Proto Indo European red Meaning

• influence

  Etymology Middle English influence from Old French influence from Late Latin influ

• fringe

  Etymology The word fringe comes from the Middle English word fringe which in turn d