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index
The word revolves around the concept of pointing or directing attention to a specific location or value. It is about organization and retrieval—creating a map that allows a user to jump from a general search to a precise point of data. In a literary context, it is a tool for navigation. In an economic or scientific context, it acts as a proxy; instead of measuring every single item in an economy, an "index" provides a representative number that signals a trend. As a verb, the term carries a technical, systemic connotation. It suggests a process of scanning and sorting raw information into a structured format to eliminate the need for linear searching.
Used as a countable noun whether referring to the alphabetical list at the back of a book, a financial indicator like the S&P 500, or the specific finger used for pointing.
意味
An alphabetical list of names, subjects, etc., with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book.
"I looked up the term 'photosynthesis' in the index of the biology textbook."