array
UK[əˈreɪ]US[əˈreɪ]
n
An impressive display or range of a particular type of thing.
n
An ordered series or arrangement.
n
(Computing) A data structure consisting of a collection of elements, each identified by an array index or key.
v
To display or arrange things in a particular way.
v
(Military) To arrange troops in order for battle.
Etymology
The word 'array' has a rich martial and organizational lineage. It originates from the Old French 'areer', meaning "to put in order," which itself derived from the Vulgar Latin 'arredare', a compound of the Latin prefix 'ad-' (to, toward) and a Germanic base 'raidjan' (to prepare, arrange), related to the Old English 'rædan' (to advise, rule). This etymological blend reflects a journey from the concrete act of preparing troops for battle to the broader, more abstract concept of arranging items in an orderly manner. The modern computing sense of an ordered data structure is a direct and logical extension of this core idea of systematic arrangement.
Analysis
The word 'array' is a simplex form. It entered English as a single lexical unit from Old French, and its spelling does not transparently break down into meaningful, reusable substrings in modern English.
Examples
The store offers a dazzling array of fine cheeses.
The general arrayed his forces along the ridge.
In programming, you can store a list of values in an array.