INVERTED INDEX
\ɪnvˈɜːtɪd ˈɪndɛks], \ɪnvˈɜːtɪd ˈɪndɛks], \ɪ_n_v_ˈɜː_t_ɪ_d ˈɪ_n_d_ɛ_k_s]\
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A sequence of (key, pointer)pairs where each pointer points to a record in a databasewhich contains the key value in some particular field. Theindex is sorted on the key values to allow rapid searching fora particular key value, using e.g. binary search. The indexis "inverted" in the sense that the key value is used to findthe record rather than the other way round. For databases inwhich the records may be searched based on more than onefield, multiple indices may be created that are sorted onthose keys.An index may contain gaps to allow for new entries to be addedin the correct sort order without always requiring thefollowing entries to be shifted out of the way.
By Denis Howe
Word of the day
Dopamine Acetyltransferase
- An enzyme that catalyzes the of groups from acetyl-CoA to arylamines. They have wide specificity for aromatic amines, particularly serotonin, and can also catalyze acetyl transfer between arylamines without CoA. EC 2.3.1.5.