(in the science of communication, of a sign) pointing out or indicating its referent, in cases where there is a causal link between the sign and the referent
Examples of 'indexal' in a sentence
indexal
The article describes the main principles of analyzing an indexal image based on the metonymy.
V A Romanenko 2010, 'On complex method of analysing an indexal image', Russian Language Studieshttp://journals.rudn.ru/russian-language-studies/article/view/10274. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)
Mirror systems are initially iconic but can progress to indexal reference when produced without the need for concurrent stimuli.
Florence eLevy 2012, 'Mirror neurons, birdsong and human language: a hypothesis', Frontiers in Psychiatryhttp://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00078/full. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)