I. ˈrefərn(t)s, -f(ə)rən- noun
( -s )
Etymology: refer + -ence
1. : the act of referring
reference to a map will make the position clear
or consulting
reference to an almanac
items arranged alphabetically for ease of reference
a manual designed for ready reference
the report was filed for future reference
2. : the act of referring a matter in dispute to a referee
3. : the capability or character of alluding to or bearing on or directing attention to something : relation , respect
with reference to his suggestion
in reference to your letter of the 14th
4. : something that refers to something else: as
a. : allusion , mention
omitted all reference to his prison record
the play is full of references to contemporary events
b. : a specific direction of the attention : a sign or indication referring a reader to another passage or book
a list of references is appended
c. : consultation of sources of information
books more suitable for reference than for reading
volumes for ready reference
d. : tab 1a(4)
5. : one that is referred to or consulted: as
a. : a person of whom inquiries can be made as to the character or capacity of another
b. : a written statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by his previous employer or by someone familiar with his character, ability, experience, or training : recommendation
three references must accompany each application
c. : a book or a passage in a work to which a reader is referred
d. : denotation , meaning
6. : the direction of others' attention or behavior to one's self
delusions of reference
— see ideas of reference
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to supply with references
the work is fully referenced
2. : to put in a form (as a table, list) adapted to easy reference
III. adjective
: used or usable for reference : taken or laid down as standard for measuring, reckoning, or constructing
reference point
reference plane
specifically : of known potency and used as a standard in the biological assay of a sample of the same drug of unknown strength
IV. noun
: reference book 1
V. transitive verb
: to refer to
a variable in a computer program references a location in memory
also : to cite as a reference
a frequently referenced study