Definition of: reference

(ref′ər·əns, ref′rəns) noun
1. The act of referring.
2. An incidental allusion or direction of the attention: reference to a recent event.
3. A note or other indication in a book, referring to some other book or passage: compare CROSS-REFERENCE.
4. One who or that which is or may be referred to.
5. The state of being referred or related: used in the phrases with or in reference to.
6. Law The act or process of submitting a matter to a referee; also, the proceedings of and before a referee.
7. The person or persons to whom one seeking employment may refer for recommendation; also, a written statement or testimonial, as of character or dependability.
—ref′er·enc·er noun