index register
nounUK /ˈɪndɛks ˈrɛdʒɪstə/
US /ˈɪndɛks ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
A small storage spot inside a computer that helps it find and use data quickly.
The program loaded the address into the index register before fetching the value.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A register in a processor used to hold an offset added to an address during computation.
The compiler used the index register to step through the array.
3. A hardware location that stores a value for indexing into memory or tables.
Loading the loop counter into the index register sped up the table lookup.
4. A small fast storage unit that helps the CPU locate operands without extra memory access.
By keeping the base address in the index register, the routine avoided repeated memory reads.