reference-n; 7 Senses

Sense Number 1: A remark that calls attention to something or someone.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+linguistic][+event]

Examples:
There was no reference to it in conversation.
She made frequent reference to her promotion.
The speaker made several references to his wife.

Mappings:
PropBank: reference.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: An authoritative text or the corresponding citation.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+citation][+event]

Examples:
The student's essay failed to list several important references.
The article includes reference to similar studies.
He contributed articles to a foundational reference on that topic.
She makes reference to several additional works.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 4, 8

Sense Number 3: An indicator that orients one generally.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+landmark]

Examples:
It is used as a reference for comparing the energy involved.
We should use that building as a point of reference.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: A formal recommendation by a former employer.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+artifact]

Examples:
Most employers do not give references freely.
I need a reference for my job application.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 5: (philosophy) the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+philosophy]

Examples:
We must find the reference of the term.
He argued that reference is consequence of conditioned reflexes.
Terms require a role and a reference.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6, 10

Sense Number 6: The act of referring or consulting.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+event]

Examples:
His reference to an encyclopedia produced an answer.
Her reference to a dictionary improved her essay.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 7

Sense Number 7: (computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored.

Commentary: REFERENCE[+computer_science]

Examples:
The file contains the references for the data.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 9