reference

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A mention of something or someone.

   The article made several references to the latest research.

2. 2
   noun

   A book or source you look at to find information.

   I carried an armful of references back to my desk.

3. 3
   noun

   A statement about someone's character or abilities, usually for a job.

   Her former boss agreed to write her a reference.

4. 4
   verb

   To mention or cite something as a source.

   She referenced her colleagues' work in the report.

Common collocations

• reference book Adjective + noun

From Middle French référence, from Medieval Latin referentia, nominative neuter plural of referēns, present participle of referō (“return, reply”, literally “carry back”). Morphologically refer + -ence.

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