Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of creating an ordered list or system to classify information for easier retrieval: "indexing" refers to the systematic arrangement of data, documents, or items, often using keywords, codes, or other identifiers, to facilitate quick search and access.

Usage

• "Indexing" is used as a singular, uncountable noun to describe the overall activity or process.
• It is commonly used in contexts involving libraries, databases, publishing, and information science.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • Proper indexing is essential for the efficiency of a digital database.
  • Her job involves the indexing of scientific journal articles.
  • The book's value was increased by its detailed indexing.

Advanced Usage

• "Automatic indexing": The use of software or algorithms to create an index without direct human intervention for each entry.
  • The search engine relies on automatic indexing of web pages.
• "Subject indexing": The process of describing the content of a document with terms from a controlled vocabulary or classification scheme.
  • Librarians are experts in subject indexing for academic papers.

Variants and Related Words

• Index (noun/verb): The list itself, or the act of creating such a list.
  • Check the book's index for that term. (noun)
  • We need to index these new files. (verb)
• Indexer (noun): A person or system that performs indexing.
  • She works as a freelance indexer for publishers.

Synonyms

• Cataloging: Systematically listing and describing items, often in a library or collection.
• Classifying: Arranging things into categories based on shared characteristics.

Related Phrases

• "To create an index": This phrase describes the action that results in "indexing."
  • The first step in organizing the report is to create an index.
• "Indexing system": Refers to the specific set of rules or methods used for indexing.
  • The new indexing system made finding documents much faster.

Noun

1. the act of classifying and providing an index in order to make items easier to retrieve