reference

ref|er|ence¹ W1S3 [ˈrefərəns] n

1.) [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) .

2.) [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) .

3.) 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

4.) 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.

5.)

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

= ↑referee

▪ Ask your teacher to act as one of your references.

6.)

a book, article etc from which information has been obtained

▪ a comprehensive list of references

7.)

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

→↑cross-reference

→terms of reference at ↑term¹ (10)

reference ²

reference² v [T] written

to mention another book, article etc that contains information connected with the subject you are writing about

▪ The book does not reference anything written in the last 10 years.