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. 引文; 引文出处
noun [专属名词][图情]参考文献;参照;推荐信(reference 的复数)
We will take up references after the interview. 我们在面试之后收推荐信。
verb [vt. 及物动词]附……以供参考;把……引作参考(reference 的三单形式)
There is a list of references at the end of each chapter. 每一章的后面都有一组参考书目。