reference
[ref-er-uh ns, ref-ruh ns]
- an act or instance of referring.
- a mention; allusion.
- something for which a name or designation stands; denotation.
- a direction in a book or writing to some other book, passage, etc.
- a book, passage, etc., to which one is directed.
- reference mark(def 2).
- material contained in a footnote or bibliography, or referred to by a reference mark.
- use or recourse for purposes of information: a library for public reference.
- a person to whom one refers for testimony as to one's character, abilities, etc.
- a statement, usually written, as to a person's character, abilities, etc.
- relation, regard, or respect: all persons, without reference to age.
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- to furnish (a book, dissertation, etc.) with references: Each new volume is thoroughly referenced.
- to arrange (notes, data, etc.) for easy reference: Statistical data is referenced in the glossary.
- to refer to: to reference a file.
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Origin of reference
Synonyms
See more synonyms for reference on Thesaurus.com4. note, citation. 10. endorsement. 11. consideration, concern.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for reference
Contemporary Examples
He then provides some insight into his psyche - complete with Animal House reference.
There is reference after reference to the “black community,” “black worth ethic,” and adherence to the “black value system.”
On his Instagram account (which has since been taken down), Brinsley made one reference to burning an American flag.
Now the hackers, with their reference to the 9/11 attacks, suggest they are prepared to kill.
This would, of course, require some moderation of regulatory standards, particularly in reference to climate change.
Historical Examples
A moment later Percival remembered his last words, also his reference to Blythe.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
There is a reference to “pen and ink” in the 3d Epistle of John xiii.
The Story of the Invention of Steel PensHenry Bore
Neither made any reference to the little scene of the night before.
VivietteWilliam J. Locke
Let me illustrate this broad statement with reference to the subject of fears alone.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
I was rather at a loss for names of reference to these parts.
reference
- the act or an instance of referring
- something referred, esp proceedings submitted to a referee in law
- a direction of the attention to a passage elsewhere or to another book, document, etc
- a book or passage referred to
- a mention or allusionthis book contains several references to the Civil War
- philosophy
- the relation between a word, phrase, or symbol and the object or idea to which it refers
- the object referred to by an expressionCompare sense (def. 12)
- a source of information or facts
- (as modifier)a reference book; a reference library
- a written testimonial regarding one's character or capabilities
- a person referred to for such a testimonial
- (foll by to)relation or delimitation, esp to or by membership of a specific class or group; respect or regardall people, without reference to sex or age
- (as modifier)a reference group
- point of reference a fact forming the basis of an evaluation or assessment; criterion
- terms of reference the specific limits of responsibility that determine the activities of an investigating body, etc
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- to furnish or compile a list of references for (an academic thesis, publication, etc)
- to make a reference to; refer tohe referenced Chomsky, 1956
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- commerce with reference toreference your letter of the 9th inst Abbreviation: re
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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 reference
n.
1580s, "act of referring," from refer + -ance, or else from French référence, from Medieval Latin *referentia, from Latin referentem (nominative referens), present participle of referre (see refer). Meaning "direction to a book or passage" is recorded from 1610s. Meaning "testimonial" is from 1895. Reference book dates from 1808. Phrase in reference to is attested from 1590s.
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v.
1620s, "to assign;" as "to provide with a reference," 1837 (implied in referenced), from reference (n.). Related: Referencing.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with reference
reference
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.