R rə̇ˈfər, rēˈf-, + vowel -fər.; -R -fə̄, + suffixal vowel -fər. also -fə̄r, + vowel in a following word -fər. or -fə̄ also -fə̄r verb
( referred ; referred ; referring ; refers )
Etymology: Middle English referren, referen, from Latin referre, literally, to carry back, from re- + ferre to carry — more at bear
transitive verb
1.
a. : to think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group : explain in terms of a general cause
the Anthocerotes cannot certainly be referred to this common stock — D.H.Campbell
referred the dearth to the Civil War — Katharine F. Gerould
b. : to allot to a particular place, stage, or period
legend refers the tying of knots in strings to about 2800 B.C. — Edward Clodd
c. : to regard as coming from or localized in a certain portion of the body or of space
visual sensations are referred to external space
the pain of appendicitis may be referred to any region of the abdomen — Encyc. Americana
2.
a. : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, decision
refer a student to a dictionary
refer a bill to a committee
refer a patient to a specialist
b. : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to one's character or ability
refer an office to a former employer
3. obsolete : to reserve for subsequent discussion : defer
4. obsolete : to submit or entrust (oneself) for aid or advice
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : recur , return
2.
a. : to have relation or logical or factual connection : point , relate
the superscript numerals refer to notes at the foot of the page
red pepper may refer to cayenne — J.W.Parry
b. : to direct attention : allude
his remarks referred only indirectly to the opposing party
for referring to these familiar facts the excuse is made — Herbert Spencer
3. : to have recourse : apply , appeal
pausing frequently in his speech to refer to his notes
referred to his watch and hurried away
Synonyms: see ascribe