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Added 9 October 2026

reference

/ˈɹɛf.(ə.)ɹəns/ noun

Latin root: referentia Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about reference at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A relationship or relation (to something).
A measurement one can compare (some other measurement) to.
Information about a person, provided by someone (a referee) with whom they are well acquainted.

verb

To provide a list of references for (a text).
You must thoroughly reference your paper before submitting it.
To cite, to use as a reference.
Reference the dictionary for word meanings.
To mention, to refer to.
In his speech, the candidate obliquely referenced the past failures of his opponent.

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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