reference
( references plural )
1 n-var Referenceto someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this.
He made no reference to any agreement...
2 n-uncount Reference is the act of consulting someone or something in order to get information or advice.
Please keep this sheet in a safe place for reference.
3 adj Reference books are ones that you look at when you need specific information or facts about a subject.
ADJ n
...a useful reference work for teachers.
4 n-count A reference is a word, phrase, or idea which comes from something such as a book, poem, or play and which you use when making a point about something.
...a reference from the Quran.
5 n-count A reference is something such as a number or a name that tells you where you can obtain the information you want.
Make a note of the reference number shown on the form.
6 n-count A reference is a letter that is written by someone who knows you and which describes your character and abilities. When you apply for a job, an employer might ask for references.
The firm offered to give her a reference.
7 n-count A reference is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job.
(mainly AM)
in BRIT, usually use referee
8 If you keep information for future reference, you keep it because it might be useful in the future.
♦
for future reference phrase PHR after v
Read these notes carefully and keep them for future reference.
9 You use with reference to or in reference to in order to indicate what something relates to.
♦
with/in reference to prep-phrase
I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists...
10 →
cross-reference →
frame of reference →
point of reference →
terms of reference
cross-reference ( cross-references plural & 3rd person present) ( cross-referencing present participle) ( cross-referenced past tense & past participle )
1 n-count A cross-reference is a note in a book which tells you that there is relevant or more detailed information in another part of the book.
2 verb If something such as a book is cross-referenced, cross-references are put in it.
usu passive
Nearly 2,300 plant lists have been checked and cross-referenced. be V-ed
...an index of products and services which is cross-referenced to the supplying companies. V-ed
frame of reference ( frames of reference plural ) A frame of reference is a particular set of beliefs or ideas on which you base your judgment of things. n-count usu with supp
We know we're dealing with someone with a different frame of reference.
point of reference ( points of reference plural ) A point of reference is something which you use to help you understand a situation or communicate with someone. n-count
Do we still have any fixed point of reference in the teaching of English?
reference library ( reference libraries plural ) A reference library is a library that contains books which you can look at in the library itself but which you cannot borrow. n-count
terms of reference
Terms of reference are the instructions given to someone when they are asked to consider or investigate a particular subject, telling them what they must deal with and what they can ignore.
FORMAL n-plural
The government has announced the terms of reference for its proposed committee of inquiry.