Definition of reference

• an indicator that orients you generally; "it is used as a reference for comparing the heating and the electrical energy involved"
• the relation between a word or phrase and the object or idea it refers to; "he argued that reference is a consequence of conditioned reflexes"
• a remark that calls attention to something or someone; "she made frequent mention of her promotion"; "there was no mention of it"; "the speaker made several references to his wife"