See Also: reference 1, noun(dictionary)
Reference(medicine)
Reference(money)
reference(dictionary)
point of reference(dictionary)
REFERENCE, mercantile law(law)
REFERENCE, practice(law)
Ideas of reference(health)
Delusion of reference(health)
REFERENCE, contracts(law)

reference 1, noun (oh)



[U and C] part of something you say or write in which you mention a person or thing
reference to
::There is no direct reference to her own childhood in the novel.
::The article made no reference to previous research on the subject.
::The governor made only a passing reference to the problem of unemployment (=he mentioned it quickly) .
[U] the act of looking at something for information
for easy/quick reference
::A vocabulary index is included for easy reference.
::Keep their price list on file for future reference (=so that it can be looked at in the future) .
::The book will become a standard work of reference (=a book that people look at for information) .
reference point
also point/frame of reference
a) an idea, fact, event etc that you already know, which helps you understand or make a judgment about another situation
::Lee's case will be the reference point for lawyers in tomorrow's trial.
::She used her work experience as a frame of reference for her teaching.
b) something that you can see that helps you to know where you are when you are travelling in an area
in/with reference to sth
formal used to say what you are writing or talking about, especially in business letters
::I am writing to you in reference to the job opening in your department.
[C] a) also letter of reference
a letter containing information about you that is written by someone who knows you well, and is usually intended for a new employer
::We will need references from your former employers.
b) a person who provides information about your character and abilities
-synonym referee referee
::Ask your teacher to act as one of your references.
[C] a book, article etc from which information has been obtained
::a comprehensive list of references
[C] a number that tells you where you can find the information you want in a book, on a map etc
::a list of towns, each with a map reference
-see also cross-reference
-see also terms of reference at term 1 (10)