Indicator
/ˈɪn.dɪ.keɪ.tər/noun
A person, device, or sign that shows the presence, condition, or direction of something.
Did you know?Indicator comes from the same ancient root as index, originally connected with pointing—especially with the finger—as a way of revealing or identifying something.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deyk-
“To point out, show, or demonstrate”
Ancient Greek
Greek
deiknȳmi
“I show, point out, or make something visible”
Classical Latin
Latin
indicāre
“To point out, disclose, or show”
Late Latin
Latin
indicator
“One who points out or reveals”
17th Century
English
indicator
“A person or instrument that indicates”
Modern English
English
indicator
“A sign, signal, or device showing a condition or change”