index number

noun

, Statistics.

1. a quantity whose variation over a period of time measures the change in some phenomenon.

index number

noun

1. statistics a statistic indicating the relative change occurring in each successive period of time in the price, volume, or value of a commodity or in a general economic variable, such as the price level, national income, or gross output, with reference to a previous base period conventionally given the number 100

Word History and Origins

Origin of index number¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

VTS produces a quarterly index number that gauges the interest among companies for new office space in seven major markets.

From Seattle Times

Despite the improved index numbers, comments from respondents were often cautious.

From Reuters

They filed Elizebeth’s decrypts under new index numbers, making them look like their own.

From Literature

The index compares the cost of each of these meats locally with the survey average, and combines the four to arrive at an index number.

From Seattle Times

The European Central Bank is due for its monetary policy meeting on Thursday, the same day U.S. consumer price index number will be released, potentially fuelling talks of tapering by the Federal Reserve.

From Reuters