cross index: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “cross index” mean?
To provide an index entry that refers from one item or term in a list to another related item or term.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To provide an index entry that refers from one item or term in a list to another related item or term.
A system or act of indexing where entries refer to each other, creating a network of connections for easier reference; can also refer to the compiled list itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling preferences: UK English more commonly uses 'cross-index' with a hyphen in both noun and verb forms. US English sometimes uses 'cross-index' but also accepts 'cross index' as two words, especially for the noun.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. Slightly more common in US academic publishing contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, limited to specialized fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cross index” in a Sentence
[Verb] cross-index A with B[Noun] a cross-index between A and BVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross index” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archivist will cross-index the new collection with the existing family records.
- You must cross-reference, or cross-index, these technical terms for clarity.
American English
- The librarian cross-indexed the author entries with the subject headings.
- We need to cross-index these datasets to find correlations.
adverb
British English
- The entries are listed cross-index (rare usage).
- N/A
American English
- The data is organized cross-index (rare usage).
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The cross-index system proved invaluable for researchers.
- Look at the cross-reference, or cross-index, table in the appendix.
American English
- She created a cross-index file for all project documents.
- The manual includes a cross-index feature.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal reports or large catalogs: 'The product manual features a cross-index for related components.'
Academic
Common in dissertations, textbooks, and library databases: 'The appendix provides a cross-index of key terms and their corresponding chapters.'
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard in information science, publishing, and database management: 'The software allows you to automatically cross-index entries from different datasets.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross index”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross index”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross index”
- Using 'cross index' as a general term for any index (it specifically implies mutual referencing).
- Confusing it with 'index' alone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An 'index' is a general list, while a 'cross-index' specifically refers to a system where index entries point to other related entries within the same or a different index.
Yes, commonly. 'To cross-index' means to create such interconnected index entries (e.g., 'cross-index authors with subjects').
It allows a user to find all related information on a topic from different angles or under different headings, improving research efficiency and discovery.
No, it is a specialized term primarily used in academic, library, publishing, and data management contexts.
To provide an index entry that refers from one item or term in a list to another related item or term.
Cross index is usually technical / formal in register.
Cross index: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈɪndeks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ˈɪndeks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an 'X' (a cross) connecting two index points. Cross-index lets you cross from one index entry to another.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDEX IS A MAP; cross-indexing is creating paths or bridges between different locations on that map.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross-index' MOST commonly used?