Main Entry:

ref·er·en·dum

Pronunciation:

\ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural ref·er·en·da \-də\ or ref·er·en·dums

Etymology:

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer

Date:

1847

1 a: the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative b: a vote on a measure so submitted2: a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions