reference

Pluralreferences

Formsreferences, referencing, referenced

1. 1
   nouncountable or uncountable

   Something you say or write that mentions a person or thing, often quickly or not directly.

   The song has a reference to her hometown in the last line.

   He made no reference to the accident in his speech.

   UsageSay make a reference to something. Make no reference to means you do not mention it.

   Similarmention, allusion, nod

2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To talk or write about something, or to name it as a place you got information from.

   She referenced the earlier meeting in her email.

   Speakers who reference shared memories connect with their listeners.

   UsageSay reference a study, with no to. In careful writing, many people say refer to or mention instead.

   Note
3. 3
   standardnouncountable

   A fixed value that you compare other measurements to.

   Engineers used sea level as a reference for all their height readings.

   Without a clear reference, the temperature data meant very little.

   Similarbenchmark, standard, baseline, datum

4. 4
   book of factsnouncountablebefore a noun

   A book or other resource you use to look up information, such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or atlas.

   Keep a good reference on your desk for quick lookups.

   This dictionary is the best reference for checking spelling.

   UsageMost often used before another word, as in a reference book.

5. 5
   nouncountable

   A note in a piece of writing that shows where information came from, or the book or article it names.

   Like a label that tells you which book a fact was taken from.

   Each reference in the bibliography points to a specific book.

   She added a reference after the quote to credit the writer.

   UsageThe list of sources at the end of a paper is often called References.

   Similarcitation, footnote

   Note
6. 6
   noununcountable

   The act of looking at something to find out information.

   Keep this paper for future reference.

   The rules are posted on the wall for easy reference.

   UsageMost often in for future reference: you keep something so you can look at it later.

   Similarconsultation

7. 7
   nouncountable

   Information about a person, given by someone who knows them well, often for a job.

   Her former boss gave her a glowing reference.

   Ask a teacher who knows you well to write a reference for you.

   UsageSomeone gives or writes you a reference for a job.

   Similarrecommendation, testimonial, endorsement

8. 8
   person recommendingnouncountable

   A person who gives information about someone, often for a job.

   She listed her old manager as a reference on the application.

   Two references confirmed his record before the firm hired him.

   UsageYou can list someone as a reference when you apply for a job.

   Similarreferee

9. 9
   code numbernouncountable

   A set of numbers or letters used to find one booking, order, payment or record.

   Have your reference ready when you call about your order.

   Write the payment reference on the back of the check.

   UsageOften booking reference or reference number. You give it when you call or pay.

   Similarnumber, code

10. 10
    pointer (computing)nouncountable

    In computing, a value that points to where data is kept, instead of holding the data itself.

    Like a note saying 'the keys are under the mat' instead of the keys themselves.

    The variable holds a reference to the object, not a copy of it.

    If the reference is empty, the program stops with an error.

    Similarpointer

    Note

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