refer

verb re·fer \ri-ˈfər\

: to send (someone or something) to a particular person or place for treatment, help, advice, etc.

re·ferredre·fer·ring

Full Definition of REFER

transitive verb

a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group (2) : to explain in terms of a general cause

b : to allot to a particular place, stage, or period

c : to regard as coming from or located in a specific area

a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision <refer a patient to a specialist> <refer a bill back to a committee>

b : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability

intransitive verb

a : to have relation or connection : relate

b : to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention <no one referred to yesterday's quarrel>

: to have recourse : glance briefly <referred frequently to his notes while speaking>

— re·fer·able \ˈre-f(ə-)rə-bəl, ri-ˈfər-ə-\ adjective

— re·fer·rer \ri-ˈfər-ər\ noun

See refer defined for English-language learners

See refer defined for kids

Origin of REFER

Middle English referren, from Anglo-French referer, referir, from Latin referre to bring back, report, refer, from re- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REFER

Synonyms: appertain, bear, pertain, apply, relate

REFER Defined for Kids

refer

verb re·fer \ri-ˈfər\

re·ferredre·fer·ring

Definition of REFER for Kids

: to look at for information <She kept referring to her notes.>

: to send or direct to some person or place for treatment, aid, information, or decision <The patient was referred to a specialist.>

: to call attention <Jeremy wondered what had possessed him to refer to Prince Brat as his friend. — Sid Fleischman, The Whipping Boy>

: to mention (something) in talking or writing

Medical Dictionary

refer

transitive verb re·fer \ri-ˈfər\

re·ferredre·fer·ring

Medical Definition of REFER

: to regard as coming from or localized in a certain portion of the body or of space <pain of appendicitis may be referred to any region of the abdomen—Encyclopedia Americana>

: to send or direct for diagnosis or treatment <refer a patient to a specialist>