reference
noun
ˈrefrəns 
ˈrefrəns mentioning somebody/something
1 [countable, uncountable] reference (to somebody/something) a thing you say or write that mentions somebody/something else; the act of mentioning somebody/somethingThe book is full of references to growing up in India.She made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans.the President's passing reference to (= brief mention of) the end of the warlooking for information
2 [uncountable] the act of looking at something for informationKeep the list of numbers near the phone for easy reference.I wrote down the name of the hotel for future reference (= because it might be useful in the future).The library contains many popular works of reference (= reference books).asking for advice
3 [uncountable] reference (to somebody/something) (formal) the act of asking somebody for help or adviceThe emergency nurse can treat minor injuries without reference to a doctor.number/word/symbol
4 [countable] (abbr. ref.) a number, word or symbol that shows where something is on a map, or where you can find a piece of informationThe map reference is Y4.Please quote your reference number when making an enquiry.for new job
5 [countable] a letter written by somebody who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employerWe will take up references after the interview.6 [countable] a person who agrees to write a reference, for you, for example when you are applying for a jobSynonym
refereeMy previous boss will act as a reference for me.in book
7 [countable] a note in a book that tells you where a particular piece of information comes fromThere is a list of references at the end of each chapter.Idioms
