indices
UK[ˈɪndɪsiːz]US[ˈɪndɪˌsiːz]
n
Plural form of index, meaning a list of names or topics referred to in a book, usually arranged at the end in alphabetical order.
n
Plural form of index, meaning a sign or measure that something else exists or is likely to happen.
n
Plural form of index, meaning a system of numbers used for comparing values or levels of something over time.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
dic
es
in
in, into, toward, on
dic
to point
es
Etymology
The word 'indices' is the plural of 'index', which originates from the Latin 'index', meaning 'forefinger, informer, sign'. This Latin term itself is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'in, toward') and the root from 'dicere' (to say, to point). Literally, an index is 'that which points in or toward something'. The plural form 'indices' follows the classical Latin pattern for nouns ending in -ex, where -ex becomes -ices. Over time, the meaning evolved from a physical pointer (like a finger) to an abstract guide or list that points to information, and further to a statistical indicator that points to trends or changes.
Analysis
Structure: in + dic + es
- in: Latin origin, meaning 'in, into, toward, on'. In this word, it functions as a prefix indicating direction or location.
- dic: Latin origin, from the root 'dicere' (to say, to point out). In this word, it functions as the core root meaning 'to point'.
- es: Latin/Greek origin, a common plural suffix in English, often used for nouns of Latin/Greek origin ending in -ex or -ix. It functions as a grammatical plural marker.
Examples
The book's indices at the back cover both names and subjects.
Economic indices suggest a period of growth is beginning.
You will find the data listed under various indices in the report.