Indexical
/ɪnˈdɛksɪkəl/noun
Relating to a sign, expression, or word whose meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Did you know?In semiotics, an indexical sign points to its object through a real connection—smoke indicates fire, a footprint indicates someone’s presence, and “I” indicates the speaker.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deyḱ-
“to point out, show, or indicate”
Ancient Greek
Greek
deiknȳmi
“to show, point out, or make known”
Classical Latin
Latin
index
“a pointer, informer, indication, or sign”
Classical Latin
Latin
indicāre
“to point out, disclose, or indicate”
14th Century
Middle English
index
“a pointer, sign, or alphabetical list directing readers to information”
19th Century
English
indexical
“having the character of an index; later, referring to context-dependent signs or expressions”