in|de|ter|mi|nate / I nd I tɜː r m I nət/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is indeterminate , you cannot say exactly what it is. □ I hope to carry on for an indeterminate period.
in|dex ◆◇◇ / I ndeks/ (indices , indexes , indexing , indexed ) The usual plural is indexes , but the form indices can be used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT An index is a system by which changes in the value of something and the rate at which it changes can be recorded, measured, or interpreted. □ …the U.K. retail price index. □ …economic indices.
2 N‑COUNT An index is an alphabetical list that is printed at the back of a book and tells you on which pages important topics are referred to. □ There's even a special subject index.
3 VERB If you index a book or a collection of information, you make an alphabetical list of the items in it. □ [be V -ed] This vast archive has been indexed and made accessible to researchers. □ [V n] She's indexed the book by author, by age, and by illustrator.
4 VERB [usu passive] If a quantity or value is indexed to another, a system is arranged so that it increases or decreases whenever the other one increases or decreases. □ [be V -ed + to ] Minimum pensions and wages are to be indexed to inflation.
5 → see also card index
i n|dex card (index cards ) N‑COUNT An index card is a small card on which you can write information. Index cards are kept in a box, arranged in order.
i n|dex fin|ger (index fingers ) N‑COUNT Your index finger is the finger that is next to your thumb.
i ndex-li nked ADJ Index-linked pensions or payments change as inflation or the cost of living changes. [mainly BRIT ]
In|dian / I ndiən/ (Indians )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Indian means belonging or relating to India, or to its people or culture. □ …the Indian government.
2 N‑COUNT An Indian is an Indian citizen, or a person of Indian origin.
3 N‑COUNT Indians are the people who lived in North, South, or Central America before Europeans arrived, or people related to them. The usual name for them now is Native Americans . [OLD-FASHIONED ]
4 → see also Anglo-Indian
I n|dian su m|mer (Indian summers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to a period of unusually warm and sunny weather during the autumn as an Indian summer .
in|di|cate ◆◆◇ / I nd I ke I t/ (indicates , indicating , indicated )
1 VERB If one thing indicates another, the first thing shows that the second is true or exists. □ [V that] A survey of retired people has indicated that most are independent and enjoying life. □ [V n] Our vote today indicates a change in United States policy. □ [V wh] This indicates whether remedies are suitable for children.
2 VERB If you indicate an opinion, an intention, or a fact, you mention it in an indirect way. □ [V that] Mr Rivers has indicated that he may resign. □ [V n] U.S. authorities have not yet indicated their monetary policy plans.
3 VERB If you indicate something to someone, you show them where it is, especially by pointing to it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He indicated a chair. 'Sit down.'
4 VERB If one thing indicates something else, it is a sign of that thing. □ [V n] Dreams can help indicate your true feelings.
5 VERB If a technical instrument indicates something, it shows a measurement or reading. □ [V n] The needles that indicate your height are at the top right-hand corner. □ [V that] The temperature gauge indicated that it was boiling.
6 VERB When drivers indicate , they make lights flash on one side of their vehicle to show that they are going to turn in that direction. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V ] He told us when to indicate and when to change gear. [Also V n] in AM, use signal
in|di|ca|tion ◆◇◇ / I nd I ke I ʃ ə n/ (indications ) N‑VAR An indication is a sign which suggests, for example, what people are thinking or feeling. □ All the indications are that we are going to receive reasonable support from abroad. □ He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise. SYNONYMS indication NOUN
sign: His face and movements rarely betrayed a sign of nerves.
evidence: Ganley said he'd seen no evidence of widespread fraud.
signaclass="underline" Leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support.
suggestion: There is absolutely no suggestion of any mainstream political party involvement.
in|dica|tive / I nd I kət I v/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If one thing is indicative of another, it suggests what the other thing is likely to be. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The result was indicative of a strong retail market.
2 N‑SING In grammar, a clause that is in the indicative , or in the indicative mood , has a subject followed by a verb group. Examples are 'I'm hungry' and 'She was followed'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to make statements.
in|di|ca|tor / I nd I ke I tə r / (indicators )
1 N‑COUNT An indicator is a measurement or value which gives you an idea of what something is like. □ …vital economic indicators, such as inflation, growth and the trade gap.
2 N‑COUNT A car's indicators are the flashing lights that tell you when it is going to turn left or right. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use turn signals