ref|eree /re fəriː / (referees , refereeing , refereed )
1 N‑COUNT The referee is the official who controls a sports event such as a football game or a boxing match.
2 VERB When someone referees a sports event or contest, they act as referee. □ [V ] Vautrot has refereed in two World Cups.
3 N‑COUNT A referee is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use reference
ref|er|ence ◆◇◇ /re fərəns/ (references )
1 N‑VAR Reference to someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this. □ [+ to ] He made no reference to any agreement.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Reference is the act of consulting someone or something in order to get information or advice. □ Please keep this sheet in a safe place for reference.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Reference books are ones that you look at when you need specific information or facts about a subject. □ …a useful reference work for teachers.
4 N‑COUNT A reference is a word, phrase, or idea which comes from something such as a book, poem, or play and which you use when making a point about something. □ …a reference from the Quran.
5 N‑COUNT A reference is something such as a number or a name that tells you where you can obtain the information you want. □ Make a note of the reference number shown on the form.
6 N‑COUNT A reference is a letter that is written by someone who knows you and which describes your character and abilities. When you apply for a job, an employer might ask for references . □ The firm offered to give her a reference.
7 N‑COUNT A reference is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use referee
8 PHRASE If you keep information for future reference , you keep it because it might be useful in the future. □ Read these notes carefully and keep them for future reference.
9 PHRASE You use with reference to or in reference to in order to indicate what something relates to. □ I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists.
10 → see also cross-reference , frame of reference , point of reference , terms of reference SYNONYMS reference NOUN
1
allusion: The title is perhaps an allusion to AIDS.
comment: There's been no comment so far from police about the allegations.
mention: The statement made no mention of government casualties.
6
testimoniaclass="underline" She could hardly expect her employer to provide her with testimonials to her character and ability.
recommendation: The best way of finding a solicitor is through personal recommendation.
endorsement: This is a powerful endorsement for his softer style of government.
re f|er|ence li|brary (reference libraries ) N‑COUNT A reference library is a library that contains books which you can look at in the library itself but which you cannot borrow.
ref|er|en|dum ◆◇◇ /re fəre ndəm/ (referendums or referenda /re fəre ndə/) N‑COUNT If a country holds a referendum on a particular policy, they ask the people to vote on the policy and show whether or not they agree with it. □ [+ on ] Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.
re|fer|ral /r I fɜː rəl/ (referrals ) N‑VAR Referral is the act of officially sending someone to a person or authority that is qualified to deal with them. A referral is an instance of this. □ [+ to ] Legal Aid can often provide referral to other types of agencies.
re|fill (refills , refilling , refilled ) The verb is pronounced /riː f I l/. The noun is pronounced /riː f I l/. 1 VERB If you refill something, you fill it again after it has been emptied. □ [V n] I refilled our glasses. ● N‑COUNT Refill is also a noun. [INFORMAL ] □ Max held out his cup for a refill.
2 N‑COUNT A refill of a particular product, such as soap powder, is a quantity of that product sold in a cheaper container than the one it is usually sold in. You use a refill to fill the more permanent container when it is empty. □ Refill packs are cheaper and lighter.
re|fi|nance /riː fa I næns/ (refinances , refinancing , refinanced ) VERB If a person or a company refinances a debt or if they refinance , they borrow money in order to pay the debt. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] A loan was arranged to refinance existing debt. □ [V ] It can be costly to refinance.
re|fine /r I fa I n/ (refines , refining , refined )
1 VERB [usu passive] When a substance is refined , it is made pure by having all other substances removed from it. □ [be V -ed] Oil is refined to remove naturally occurring impurities. ● re|fin|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …oil refining.
2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a process, theory, or machine is refined , it is improved by having small changes made to it. □ [be V -ed] Surgical techniques are constantly being refined.
re|fined /r I fa I nd/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A refined substance has been made pure by having other substances removed from it. □ …refined sugar.
2 ADJ If you say that someone is refined , you mean that they are very polite and have good manners and good taste. □ …refined and well-dressed ladies.