How to find a word quickly in a dictionary or other alphabetized index.
Start with the first letter, let's say the word is Oxen. Go to the "O" section. Next, find the section that lists words beginning with ox. Next, using the 3rd letter, go to the section of words beginning with oxe. Repeat for oxen. This takes less time than skimming the whole word at once, especially if it is a particularly long word with many letters.