reference

ref|er|ence1 [ `ref(ə)rəns ] noun ***

▸ 1 mention of someone/something

▸ 2 looking for information

▸ 3 statement about you

▸ 4 phrase from book/poem

▸ 5 a mention in writing

▸ 6 number for finding something

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count or uncount a comment that mentions something or someone: MENTION:

reference to: The title is apparently a reference to the singer's brother.

make a/no reference to: He politely made no reference to my messy appearance.

passing reference (=a quick comment about something): Her speech contained only a passing reference to tax reform.

2. ) count or uncount the process of looking at something in order to get information:

The sentences are numbered for ease of reference.

a ) only before noun used to describe books or places where you can find information:

the reference section of the library

3. ) count a statement from someone who knows you or has worked with you that gives information about you. You often need to provide a reference when you apply for a new job:

Her former employer refused to provide a reference for her.

a ) AMERICAN someone who gives you a reference when you are applying for a job. British referee

4. ) count a word or phrase that comes from a book or a poem:

His writing is full of obscure literary references.

5. ) count a writer or a piece of work that is mentioned in a piece of writing by someone else:

There was a long list of references at the end of the paper.

6. ) count a number that shows someone where they can find information that they need:

reference number: Please quote your customer reference number if you need to contact us.

Start your walk at map reference 2D.

with reference to FORMAL

used in a letter to introduce the subject that you are going to write about

=> FUTURE 2

reference

ref|er|ence 2 [ `ref(ə)rəns ] verb transitive

1. ) FORMAL to mention a particular writer or piece of work

2. ) to create a list of all the books that are mentioned in a piece of academic writing