reference book

American  

noun

1. a book containing useful facts or specially organized information, as an encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, yearbook, etc.

2. Also called pass, passbook.  South African. a domestic identity document formerly required to be carried by Black citizens.

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reference book British  

noun

1. a book, such as an encyclopedia, dictionary, etc, from which information may be obtained

2. another name for passbook

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Etymology

Origin of reference book

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Reference book 1, 2-8, 9-10. 16th ed. © 1Jul36, AA213900; 15Aug36, AA214626; 15Sep36, AA215927.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1963 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

Reference book 1-12. © 26May34, AA156602, 30May34, AA156603, 2Jun34, AA156604, 6Jun34, AA156605, 9Jun34, AA156606, 13Jun34, AA156607, 16Jun34, AA156608, 20Jun34, AA156609, 23Jun34, AA156610, 27Jun34, AA156611, 30Jun34, AA156612, 3Jul34, AA156613.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1961 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

Related Words

• almanac
• dictionary
• directory
• thesaurus