Definition of index

• n. - That which points out; that which shows, indicates, manifests, or discloses.
• n. - That which guides, points out, informs, or directs; a pointer or a hand that directs to anything, as the hand of a watch, a movable finger on a gauge, scale, or other graduated instrument. In printing, a sign used to direct particular attention to a note or paragraph; -- called also fist.
• n. - A table for facilitating reference to topics, names, and the like, in a book; -- usually alphabetical in arrangement, and printed at the end of the volume.
• n. - A prologue indicating what follows.
• n. - The second digit, that next pollex, in the manus, or hand; the forefinger; index finger.
• n. - The figure or letter which shows the power or root of a quantity; the exponent.
• v. t. - To provide with an index or table of references; to put into an index; as, to index a book, or its contents.