First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
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
2
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
1
a : to have relation or connection : relate b : to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention <no one referred to yesterday's quarrel>
2
: 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
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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
REFERRED Defined for Kids
refer
verb re·fer \ri-ˈfər\
re·ferredre·fer·ring
Definition of REFER for Kids
1
: to look at for information <She kept referring to her notes.>
2
: to send or direct to some person or place for treatment, aid, information, or decision <The patient was referred to a specialist.>
3
: to call attention <Jeremy wondered what had possessed him to refer to Prince Brat as his friend. — Sid Fleischman, The Whipping Boy>
4
: to mention (something) in talking or writing
Medical Dictionary
refer
transitive verb re·fer \ri-ˈfər\
re·ferredre·fer·ring
Medical Definition of REFER
1
: 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>
2
: to send or direct for diagnosis or treatment <refer a patient to a specialist>
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