v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' f ə r
Function: verb
Inflected Form: re · ferred ; re · fer · ring
Etymology: Middle English referren, from Anglo-French referer, referir , from Latin referre to bring back, report, refer, from re- + ferre to carry ― more at BEAR
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group (2) : to explain in terms of a general cause b : to allot to a particular place, stage, or period c : to regard as coming from or located in a specific area
2 a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision < refer a patient to a specialist> < refer a bill back to a committee> b : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability
intransitive verb
1 a : to have relation or connection : RELATE b : to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention <no one referred to yesterday's quarrel>
2 : to have recourse : glance briefly < referred frequently to his notes while speaking>
– re · fer · able \ ' re-f( ə -)r ə -b ə l, ri- ' f ə r- ə - \ adjective
– re · fer · rer \ ri- ' f ə r- ə r \ noun