reference Syllabification: (ref·er·ence)Pronunciation: /ˈref(ə)rəns/Translate reference | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of reference noun 1the action of mentioning or alluding to something:he made reference to the enormous power of the mass media references to Darwinism and evolution a mention or citation of a source of information in a book or article. a book or passage cited with a reference. 2use of a source of information in order to ascertain something:popular works of reference [as modifier]:a reference work the sending of a matter for decision or consideration to some authority:he demanded the immediate reference of the whole dispute to the United Nations 3a letter from a previous employer testifying to someone’s ability or reliability, used when applying for a new job. verb [with object] provide (a book or article) with citations of authorities:each chapter is referenced, citing literature up to 1990Phrases for future reference for use at a later date:she lodged this idea in the back of her mind for future reference terms of reference the scope and limitations of an activity or area of knowledge:the judge will present a plan outlining the inquiry’s terms of reference with (or in) reference to in relation to; as regards:war can only be explained with reference to complex social factorsreference in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of reference in the British & World English dictionary
