Other forms: arrays
In programming, an array is an ordered list of values stored under one name. An array of numbers, index the array, an empty array.
Each item has a position, and in most languages the first position is zero rather than one, which causes a specific and famous class of error. Arrays are the most basic way of storing many things at once. Elsewhere, an array is an impressive display: a dazzling array of options. In electronics, an array is a set of components arranged together — a solar array, an antenna array. Note arrayed, and disarray.
1nounarrayAn ordered list of values stored under one name.
“The program stores the players' scores in an array.”
2nounimpressiveAn impressive display or arrangement.
“The market had a dazzling array of fruit, spices and fabrics.”
array is an ordered arrangement.
Anglo-Norman arraier meant to put in order, from a Frankish root meaning ready. Array meant drawing up troops in order before it meant anything else, and the computing sense borrowed the ordering.
Proto-Germanic
*raidaz
Gothic
𐌲𐌰𐍂𐌰𐌹𐌸𐍃 — ready, prepared
Frankish
*raid
Vulgar Latin
*arrēdō — to put in order, arrange, array
Anglo-Norman
arraier
Middle English
arrayen
English, today
array
Built from
From Middle English arrayen, from Anglo-Norman arraier (compare Old French arraier, areer (“to put in order”)), from Vulgar Latin arrēdō (“to put in order, arrange, array”), from rēdum (“preparation, order”), from Frankish raid or raidā (“preparation, order”) or Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐍂𐌰𐌹𐌸𐍃 (“ready, prepared”), from Proto-Germanic raidaz, raidiz (“ready”). Compare Old English rād (“condition, stipulation”), Old High German antreitī (“order, rank”). a doublet of ready.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA