noun
index
A number that measures a level or change.
The price index rises during the quarter.
Etymology
The Latin noun means an indicator. A numerical index points to a level or change by condensing the relevant measurements into one representative number.
More examples
- Several indices tracked different markets.
- The index measures relative change.
- She compared the two indexes.
Forms
index · indexes · indices
Similar words
- indicator
- Any sign or measure, not necessarily a calculated number.
- benchmark
- A comparison standard rather than the changing measure itself.