[ rɪ'fə: ]
■ verb ( ~s , ~ring , ~red )
1》 ( ~ to ) mention or allude to.
↘( ~ someone to ) direct the attention of someone to.
↘( ~ to ) (of a word or phrase) describe or denote.
2》 ( ~ something to ) pass a matter to (a higher body) for a decision.
↘( ~ someone to ) send someone to a medical specialist.
↘( ~ to ) consult (a source of information).
3》 ( ~ something to ) archaic trace or attribute something to (someone or something) as a cause or source.
4》 fail (a candidate in an examination).
Phrases
~ to drawer Brit. a phrase used by banks when suspending payment of a cheque.
Derivatives
~able rɪ'fə:rəb(ə)l , 'rɛf(ə)r- adjective
~rer noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~er or L. ~re 'carry back'.