Definition of: referendum

(ref′ə·ren′dəm) noun plural ·dums or ·da (-də)
1. The submission, by a diplomatic representative to his government, of a proposition not covered by his original instructions.
2. The submission of a proposed public measure or law, which has been passed upon by a legislature or convention, to a vote of the people for ratification or rejection. [<L, gerund of referre. See REFER.]