Etymology Map
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Index

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an alphabetical list of topics in a book; an indicator

Where does the word "index" come from? It comes from Latin index, adopted directly into English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
index
Latin · ancient
"forefinger, pointer"
from 'indicare', to point out; 'index finger' preserves the sense
2
Stage 2 of 2
index
English · 1500s
"an alphabetical list"
a list of topics at the back of a book; the Church's Index of forbidden books began 1559
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Index’s story begins in Latin: index meant “forefinger, pointer.” From 'indicare', to point out; 'index finger' preserves the sense. It reached English by 1500s as index. A list of topics at the back of a book; the Church's Index of forbidden books began 1559. Today, index means an alphabetical list of topics in a book; an indicator.