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• thumb index
  thumb index

  noun

  a series of labeled notches cut along the fore edge of a book, to indicate the divisions or sections.
• thumb-index
  thumb-index

  verb (used with object)

  to provide (a book) with a thumb index.

thumb index

¹ American  

noun

1. a series of labeled notches cut along the fore edge of a book, to indicate the divisions or sections.

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thumb-index ² American  

[thuhm-in-deks] / ˈθʌmˌɪn dɛks /

verb (used with object)

1. to provide (a book) with a thumb index.

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thumb index British  

noun

1. a series of indentations cut into the fore edge of a book to facilitate quick reference

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verb

1. (tr) to furnish with a thumb index

Etymology

Origin of thumb index

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Steel strings twang with each pull from the metal rings — wearable guitar picks — adorning his right thumb, index and middle finger.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2024

Afterward, he held out his thumb, index and little fingers, signing a message to his community and beyond: “I love you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2023

“An umpire checking a pitcher for foreign substances will use his thumb to check for stickiness on the pitcher’s thumb, index finger, middle finger, and palm,” Hill wrote.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2022

He came up with a slogan, “Anchor Down,” and a symbol, “V-U,” made by holding his thumb, index and middle fingers spread apart.

From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2012

Flexible leather, $2.50 net; with thumb index, $3.00 net.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman