Indexing: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The word comes from the Latin 'index', meaning 'pointer' or 'one that points out'.
• Indexing has been around since ancient libraries like the Library of Alexandria, where scrolls were organized for easy access.
• In the 18th century, indexing systems improved with the advent of printed catalogs in libraries.

Technology

• In computing, indexing is crucial for databases, as it drastically speeds up searching and retrieving data.
• Search engines like Google use complex indexing algorithms to organize billions of web pages for quick retrieval.
• The introduction of inverted indexing has revolutionized the way search engines operate by allowing fast full-text searches.

Library Science

• Library cataloging standards like MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) have been developed to help with indexing books and resources.
• Controlled vocabularies and subject headings aid in consistent indexing, helping users find materials efficiently.
• With the rise of digital media, indexing now includes metadata, which describes the content and context of digital assets.

Psychology

• Indexing in the brain relates to how we store and retrieve memories, much like a library organizes information.
• The way we categorize information influences how easily we can recall it when needed.
• Cognitive load theory suggests that effective indexing (like summarizing notes) improves our learning and memory retention.

Business

• In finance, indexing refers to a method of tracking the performance of a group of assets, like stock market indices.
• Index funds allow investors to purchase a small piece of many different stocks to minimize risk and diversify their portfolios.
• Companies often use indexing strategies in their operations to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Ranked #11,364, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11361 thickly
• 11362 graphically
• 11363 midway
• 11364 indexing
• 11365 devout
• 11366 engineered
• 11367 ordinate
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