subindex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “subindex” mean?
A subordinate or secondary index, particularly one that tracks a specific subset or category within a broader index.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subordinate or secondary index, particularly one that tracks a specific subset or category within a broader index.
In computing, a subscript used to access elements within a data structure. More generally, any index of a lower order, rank, or scale that contributes to a larger, composite index.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow the standard UK/US patterns for the prefix 'sub-'.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to technical registers.
Grammar
How to Use “subindex” in a Sentence
The [Main Index] + consists of + several subindexes.A subindex + for/of + [specific sector].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subindex” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The FTSE 100 is comprised of several sector subindexes.
- The inflation report highlighted a sharp rise in the food and non-alcoholic beverages subindex.
American English
- The S&P 500 includes a technology subindex.
- Analysts are closely watching the manufacturing subindex within the PMI data.
verb
British English
- [Extremely rare as a verb]
American English
- [Extremely rare as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard as an adjective]
American English
- [Not standard as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The consumer confidence subindex showed a worrying decline this quarter.
Academic
The researcher constructed a subindex to measure educational attainment independently of economic factors.
Everyday
[Extremely rare in everyday conversation]
Technical
Access the array element using the subindex `i` within the loop.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subindex”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subindex”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subindex”
- Using 'subindex' in casual conversation where 'part' or 'aspect' would suffice.
- Confusing it with 'subscript' (though related in computing).
- Misspelling as 'sub index' (open compound) in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern technical and formal writing, it is typically written as one word: 'subindex'. The hyphenated form 'sub-index' is also accepted but less common in American English.
Both 'subindexes' and 'subindices' are acceptable plurals. 'Subindexes' is more common in general and computing contexts, while 'subindices' is often preferred in mathematical and financial writing.
It is not recommended. It is a specialist term. In everyday situations, you would say 'a part of the index', 'a smaller index within it', or 'a specific category'.
A 'subindex' is specifically a numerical, often weighted, measure that feeds into a larger composite index. A 'category' is a broader, more general term for a class or division and may not involve quantitative measurement or indexing.
A subordinate or secondary index, particularly one that tracks a specific subset or category within a broader index.
Subindex is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Subindex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌɪn.deks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌɪn.deks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a big BOOK INDEX (the main index). A SUBINDEX is like a smaller index inside it, just for one CHAPTER (sub-).
Conceptual Metaphor
AN INDEX IS A CONTAINER; A SUBINDEX IS A SMALLER BOX WITHIN IT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'subindex' LEAST likely to be used?