card indexn.
/ˈkɑːd ˌɪndɛks/, U.S. /ˈkɑrd ˌɪnˌdɛks/ Originally U.S.
A catalogue or filing system in which each item is entered on one of a set of cards or paper slips which are arranged in a particular order (esp. alphabetically), typically in one or more boxes or drawers designed for the purpose, so that any individual item may be readily found; (also) a card catalogue. Also figurative and in figurative contexts.
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society > communication > record > written record > arrangement and storage of written records > [noun] > indexing > index > card index
card index1875
card file1879
1875 U.S. Patent 163,267 1/1 My invention relates to an improvement in what is commonly known as the card-index.
1879 Rep. Librarian State Libr. Mass. 1879 72 Several years ago one of the experienced assistants in the Library commenced an analytical card-index to the published legislative documents.
1900 Engin. Mag. 19 767 Those who desire to clip the items for card-index purposes.
1911 H. S. Harrison Queed vi. 67 She had touched the spring of the automatic card-index system, known as his memory.
1963 E. S. Wood Collins Field Guide Archaeol. iv. i. 306 A card index should be kept; one card for each find or site, showing details,..location, with grid reference.
2013 G. Walsh in M. Nolan & C. Farnon ADB’s Story viii. 252 Another indispensable biographical source..was the ‘Mutch Index’, a comprehensive card index of the early settlers of New South Wales.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2021; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
card indexv.
/ˈkɑːd ˌɪndɛks/, /ˌkɑːd ˈɪndɛks/, U.S. /ˈkɑrd ˌɪnˌdɛks/, /ˌkɑrd ˈɪnˌdɛks/ 1. transitive. To compile a card index of (something); to enter (information) into a card index; to record (a piece of information) in a card index. Also figurative: to organize (one's mind, thoughts, etc.) systematically.
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society > communication > record > written record > arrangement and storage of written records > arrange and store written records [verb (transitive)] > index
alphabet1671
alphabetize1691
calendar1859
card index1891
1891 Ann. Rep. Secretary Treasury State of Finances 555 The total number of payments card-indexed during the year was 508,434.
1917 H. B. Twyford Purchasing & Storing 16 Card indexing them [sc. specifications]..will make them available for rapid reference.
1920 N. Bartley Gray Angels xxxiv. 376 The third day after Thurley's return, when she was card-indexing her thoughts in order to begin her concert tour..she finally decided to go to see Lorraine.
1990 Ballroom Dancing Times Nov. 65/1 This is being followed closely by card indexing all inquiries and monitoring via the dancing schools, to see how successful the campaign has been.
2. intransitive. To compile a card index; to make entries in a card index. Now somewhat rare.
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society > communication > record > written record > arrangement and storage of written records > arrange and store written records [verb (intransitive)] > index
card index1920
1920 R. Macaulay Potterism i. iv Jane, sitting in her father's outer office, card-indexing, opening and entering letters.
1979 J. H. Chase You must be Kidding i. 21 Ken saw little of Karen who was kept busy card indexing, typing letters and talking to the various people who drifted in.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2021; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1875v.1891