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Definition of refer
referred
;referring
transitive verb
1a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group (2) : to explain in terms of a general causeb : to allot to a particular place, stage, or periodc : to regard as coming from or located in a specific area
2a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision refer a patient to a specialist refer a bill back to a committeeb : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability
intransitive verb
1a : to have relation or connection : relateb : 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
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of refer in a Sentence
How can doctors refer patients for treatment without examining them first?
Most of the patients we see here were referred by other doctors.
Recent Examples of refer from the Web
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In case anyone needed more proof that Kylie Jenner and Tyga are indeed over, please refer to her left ankle.
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Hoffman says, referring to machine learning, the branch of computer science that accounts for nearly all recent progress in AI.
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Officers referred her to the United States Postal Service police and her bank refunded her account and is investigating the incident.
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However, salsas are typically referred to by ingredient, not color.
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An attorney representing Bruno referred questions to the diocese Thursday.
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Fallon was referring to Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov.
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The FBI field office in Baltimore said the field office in San Francisco is handling the investigation and referred comment to officials there.
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A computer algorithm helps measure how serious the symptoms are compared with the patient’s baseline data; nurses review the scores and refer patients who appear to need immediate treatment to doctors who can prescribe same-day therapy.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refer'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology 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
REFER Defined for English Language Learners
refer
playDefinition of refer for English Language Learners
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: to send (someone or something) to a particular person or place for treatment, help, advice, etc.
REFER Defined for Kids
refer
playDefinition of refer for Students
referred
;referring
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
playMedical Definition of refer
referred
;referring
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
Law Dictionary
Learn More about refer
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for refer Spanish Central: Translation of refer Nglish: Translation of refer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of refer for Arabic speakers
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