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 submitted
2 : a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions