reference

/ref"euhr euhns, ref"reuhns/, n., v., referenced, referencing.

n.

1. an act or instance of referring.

2. a mention; allusion.

3. something for which a name or designation stands; denotation.

4. a direction in a book or writing to some other book, passage, etc.

5. a book, passage, etc., to which one is directed.

6. See reference mark (def. 2).

7. material contained in a footnote or bibliography, or referred to by a reference mark.

8. use or recourse for purposes of information: a library for public reference.

9. a person to whom one refers for testimony as to one's character, abilities, etc.

10. a statement, usually written, as to a person's character, abilities, etc.

11. relation, regard, or respect: all persons, without reference to age.

v.t.

12. to furnish (a book, dissertation, etc.) with references: Each new volume is thoroughly referenced.

13. to arrange (notes, data, etc.) for easy reference: Statistical data is referenced in the glossary.

14. to refer to: to reference a file.

[1580-90; REFER + -ENCE]

Syn. 4. note, citation. 10. endorsement. 11. consideration, concern.

* * *