I. rə̇ˈfər.ənt, rēˈf-, ˈref(ə)rənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin referent-, referens, present participle of referre
1. : someone that is referred to or consulted
2.
a. : a word or a term that refers to another
b. logic : the term (as a in the proposition a has the relation R to b ) from which a relation proceeds : the first term of a relation (as a in R a, b, c ) — compare relatum
3. : that which is denoted or named by an expression or a statement : a spatiotemporal object or event to which a term, sign, or symbol refers : the object of a reference
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin referent-, referens, present participle of referre
: that refers : having reference
judgments referent to the entirety of life — L.T.Hobhouse
• refer·ent·ly adverb