indexical
/ɪnˈdɛksɪkəl/
adjective
- Relating to or functioning as an index; pointing to or indicating something, especially in language or signs.
- In linguistics, words like 'here' and 'now' are indexical because their meaning depends on context.
- Smoke is indexical of fire, as it directly indicates the presence of flames.
- The indexical nature of a pointing finger makes it a universal gesture.
Synonyms