card index

noun

1. a file or catalog consisting of cards on which information has been entered so that desired items or data can be readily found.

card index

noun

1. an index in which each item is separately listed on systematically arranged cards

verb

1. tr to make such an index of (a book)

Word History and Origins

Origin of card index¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Fig. 32 shows an outside cabinet, card index, and vertical file units, which fit the openings in the cabinet.

From Project Gutenberg

This cabinet contains vertical file, card index, legal blank drawers, and document files.

From Project Gutenberg

In the author's laboratory these data are entered upon a pink card which forms part of a card index system.

From Project Gutenberg

At least, he knew what had gone into the fire: Arnold Rivers's card-index purchase and sales record.

From Project Gutenberg

First of all he procured a card-index box capable of holding about a thousand cards.

From Project Gutenberg