reference

[[t]re̱fərəns[/t]]

♦♦♦

references, referencing, referenced

1) N-VAR Reference to someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this.

He made no reference to any agreement...

The crowd chanted `No Poll Tax', a reference to the government's new local taxation system...

He summed up his philosophy, with reference to Calvin.

2) N-UNCOUNT Reference is the act of consulting someone or something in order to get information or advice.

This might be done without reference to Parliament...

Please keep this sheet in a safe place for reference.

3) ADJ: ADJ n Reference books are ones that you look at when you need specific information or facts about a subject.

There are several reference books which have been compiled to help you make your choice.

...a useful reference work for teachers.

4) N-COUNT A reference is a word, phrase, or idea which comes from something such as a book, poem, or play and which you use when making a point about something.

...a reference from the Quran.

...historical references.

5) N-COUNT A reference is something such as a number or a name that tells you where you can obtain the information you want.

...a map reference...

Make a note of the reference number shown on the form.

6) N-COUNT A reference is a letter that is written by someone who knows you and which describes your character and abilities. When you apply for a job, an employer might ask for references.

The firm offered to give her a reference.

7) N-COUNT A reference is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. [mainly AM]

(in BRIT, usually use referee)

8) VERB If you reference a particular book or writer, you make a precise reference to them in what you are saying or writing.

[V n] It specifically referenced Hermann Noordung's classic 1928 book on this subject.

Syn:

refer to

9) PHRASE: PHR after v If you keep information for future reference, you keep it because it might be useful in the future.

Read these notes carefully and keep them for future reference.

10) PHR-PREP You use with reference to or in reference to in order to indicate what something relates to.

I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists...

I'm calling in reference to your series on prejudice.

11) → See also , frame of reference, , terms of reference