1the action of mentioning or alluding to something:he made reference to the enormous power of the mass media [count noun]:references to Darwinism and evolution
[count noun] a mention or citation of a source of information in a book or article:each chapter should have references to books covering the subject in greater depth
[count noun] a source of information cited in a book or article.
2the use of a source of information in order to ascertain something:popular works of reference [as modifier]:a reference work
the sending of a matter to an authority for decision or consideration:the publishers reprinted and sold the work without reference to the author
3 [count noun] a letter from a previous employer testifying to someone’s ability or reliability, used when applying for a new job:I was dismissed from the library, but with a good reference
verb
[with object]
1provide (a book or article) with citations of sources of information:each chapter is referenced, citing literature up to 1990
2mention or refer to:the media referenced our association in almost 40 articles
Phrases
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 minister 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 factors
reference in other Oxford dictionaries
Definition of reference in the US English dictionary
