1ref·er·ence 
/ˈrɛfrəns/ noun
plural ref·er·encenc·es /ˈrɛfrəns/ noun 1 : the act of mentioning something in speech or in writing : the act of referring to something or someone [count] ▪ references to an earlier event ▪ Bob's nickname was “Elvis,” a reference to the way he styled his hair. [=people called Bob “Elvis” because he styled his hair in the same way Elvis Presley did] [noncount] ▪ She made reference to our agreement. [=she mentioned our agreement] ▪ The numbers were calculated by reference to the most recent census. — see also frame of reference, point of reference 2 [noncount] : the act of looking at or in something for information
▪ The report was filed for future reference. [=so that people could look at it later] ▪ Reference to a map will make the position clear. — see also cross-reference 3 a [count] : a person who can be asked for information about another person's character, abilities, etc.
▪ She listed her former teacher as a reference when she applied for the job. —called also (Brit) referee
b : a statement about someone's character, abilities, etc. [count] ▪ Her former teacher gave her a reference when she applied for the job. [noncount] ▪ Her teacher gave her a letter of reference. 4 [count] : something (such as a book, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.) that people can look at or in to find information about something
▪ a small dictionary that is a handy reference ▪ How many references do you use in your essay?
▪ The report was filed for future reference. [=so that people could look at it later] ▪ Reference to a map will make the position clear. — see also cross-reference
▪ She listed her former teacher as a reference when she applied for the job. —called also (Brit) referee
b : a statement about someone's character, abilities, etc. [count] ▪ Her former teacher gave her a reference when she applied for the job. [noncount] ▪ Her teacher gave her a letter of reference.
▪ a small dictionary that is a handy reference ▪ How many references do you use in your essay?
in reference to or with reference to
formal : about or concerning (something or someone) : in relation to
▪ I have something further to add with reference to [=with respect to, in regard to] what was said earlier. ▪ I am writing in reference to your recent letter. ▪ The course covers ancient history with special reference to the Roman Empire. [=the course is about ancient history and especially about the Roman Empire]
▪ I have something further to add with reference to [=with respect to, in regard to] what was said earlier. ▪ I am writing in reference to your recent letter. ▪ The course covers ancient history with special reference to the Roman Empire. [=the course is about ancient history and especially about the Roman Empire]
terms of reference — see 1term
