cross-reference

[kraws-ref-er-uh ns, -ref-ruh ns, kros-]

verb (used with or without object), cross-ref·er·enced, cross-ref·er·enc·ing.

to provide with cross references: The new encyclopedia is completely cross-referenced.
cross-refer.

Origin of cross-reference

First recorded in 1900–05

cross reference

noun

a reference from one part of a book, index, or the like, to related material, as a word or illustration, in another part.

Origin of cross reference

First recorded in 1825–35

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for cross-reference

Historical Examples of cross-reference

A cross-reference should be made from any other name by which the author may be known, to that used as the heading.
Smithsonian Report on the Construction of Catalogues of Libraries and their Publication by Means of Separate, Stereotyped Titles
Charles C. Jewett
We put it under Arouet, but there is a cross-reference from Voltaire.
How to Catalogue a Library
Henry B. (Henry Benjamin) Wheatley
It may also be regarded as three character-sketches, which, with the help of some cross-reference, together tell a story.
Musical Criticisms
Arthur Johnstone
A number of words for which a cross-reference is cited do not in fact appear in the dictionary.
An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language
John Jamieson
Watt gives double insinuation, for his cross-reference sends us to Goodwin.
A Budget of Paradoxes, Volume I (of II)
Augustus De Morgan

British Dictionary definitions for cross-reference

cross-reference

noun

a reference within a text to another part of the text

verb

to cross-refer

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cross-reference

also crossreference, cross reference, 1834, from cross (adj.) + reference (n.). As a verb by 1902.