mass noun
1
- the action of mentioning or alluding to something提及, 谈到：
he made reference to the enormous power of the mass media
他论及大众传媒的巨大力量
count noun references to Darwinism and evolution对达尔文学说和进化的引用。
1.1
- count noun a mention or citation of a source of information in a book or article引文出处。
1.2
- count noun a book or passage cited in such a way引文。
2
- use of a source of information in order to ascertain something引证, 资料引用：
popular works of reference.
常用参考书。
2.1
- the sending of a matter for decision or consideration to some authority提交, 递交：
the publishers reprinted and sold the work without reference to the author.
出版商没有征求作者意见就再版销售作品。
3
- count noun a letter from a previous employer testifying to someone's ability or reliability, used when applying for a new job（前雇主证明求职者德才的）证明信, 介绍信。
with obj.
- provide (a book or article) with citations of authorities给（书, 文）提供参考资料, 附加参考资料：
each chapter is referenced, citing literature up to 1990.
每章都附有直至1990年为止的参考书目。
短语
for future reference
- for use at a later date以供日后参考：
she lodged this idea in the back of her mind for future reference.
她把这个想法记在心里供日后参考。
terms of reference
- the scope and limitations of an activity or area of knowledge委托范围; 委托权限：
the minister will present a plan outlining the inquiry's terms of reference.
大臣将提出一份概述调查委托范围的计划。
with （或in） reference to
- in relation to; as regards关于, 就…而论：
war can only be explained with reference to complex social factors.
战争只能用复杂的社会因素来解释。