英汉词典

1. 提及；谈到
    Reference to someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this.

    e.g. He made no reference to any agreement...
           他没有提到什么协议。
    e.g. The crowd chanted 'No Poll Tax', a reference to the government's new local taxation system...
           人群高呼“不要人头税”，指的是政府新确立的地方税收制度。

2. 咨询;征询;参考;查阅
    Reference is the act of consulting someone or something in order to get information or advice.

    e.g. This might be done without reference to Parliament...
           这件事情也许可以绕过国会直接进行。
    e.g. Please keep this sheet in a safe place for reference.
           请把这张纸放在稳妥之处以备查阅。

3. （书）供参考的
    Reference books are ones that you look at when you need specific information or facts about a subject.

    e.g. There are several reference books which have been compiled to help you make your choice.
           有几本参考书专门帮你作出选择。
    e.g. ...a useful reference work for teachers.
           有用的教师参考书

4. 引语；引用的观点；引证
    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.

reference在线翻译

    e.g. ...a reference from the Quran.
           引自《古兰经》的引文
    e.g. ...historical references.
           历史引证

5. （方便查询的）编号，标记，索引
    A reference is something such as a number or a name that tells you where you can obtain the information you want.

reference的解释

    e.g. ...a map reference...
           地图索引
    e.g. Make a note of the reference number shown on the form.
           把表格上的编码记下来。

6. 介绍信;推荐信
    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 .

    e.g. The firm offered to give her a reference.
           公司主动给她开具介绍信。

7. （求职等时的）推荐人，介绍人，证明人
    A reference is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job.