Reindexing

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

  1. The process of reorganizing or updating the arrangement of data or entries in an index to improve retrieval or maintain accuracy; the act of assigning new references or positions to items within a system or database for optimized searchability; systematically revising and restoring the index structure to reflect changes or corrections in the underlying content
  2. The act of reconstructing the order or layout of an indexing system to enhance access efficiency; performing adjustments on the index points or markers to align with updated information; undertaking a comprehensive refresh of the index to ensure synchronization with current data or documents
  3. A procedure involving rearrangement and updating of indexing references to restore consistency; remodeling the indexing framework by revisiting each element’s position to support accurate lookup; executing a thorough reorganization of indexed items to maintain or improve system performance and correctness

Etymology: "Reindexing" is the present participle and gerund of "reindex", a verb built from the prefix "re-", meaning again or anew, attached to "index". The base word "index" comes from Latin "index", meaning a forefinger, a pointer, or an informer, a sense that survives in the idea of something that points the way to the contents of a book. Attaching "re-" to it produces the sense of pointing again: rebuilding a list of entries so that they point to their locations once more. The added prefix is simple and transparent, so the history of "reindex" is largely the history of "index" plus a productive English pattern. Because "re-" can attach to nearly any verb meaning to do something again, the word is a natural formation for computing and library contexts, where a database or catalogue must be rebuilt after its contents change. Its meaning follows directly from its parts without any notable shift.

Synonyms: reordering, reorganizing, rearranging, updating index, reclassifying

Antonyms: indexing, misindexing, disordering