noun

reference

Translation

reference, mention, citation, testimonial

He made a reference to his childhood.

Please provide a list of references.

My former boss will be my reference.

Keep this dictionary for future reference.

((a)) reference ((to sth.)) a mention of (sth.) He made a reference to the book.

((a)) reference ((for sb.)) a person who recommends (sb.) She is a good reference for me.

Synonyms: citation, source, recommendation, mention

From Latin 'referre' ('to carry back'). 're-' (back) + 'ferre' (to carry). Something you 'carry back' to for information.

A 'reference' is something you 'refer' to for information or a recommendation.