Associative array
An associative array is a collection indexed by arbitrary data types, not just small integers. Whereas an array is typically implemented as many same-sized items stored in a contiguous block of memory, an associative array must be implemented via a more complex data structure, such as a hash table, a list, or some other type of map.
References
- Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, http://foldoc.org/, Editor Denis Howe