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reference point

noun

Definition of reference point

: something that is used to judge or understand something else
  • The professor used the study as a reference point for evaluating and discussing other theories.

Word by Word Definitions

reference play

  1. : the act of referring or consulting

  2. : a bearing on a matter : relation

  3. : something that refers: such as

  1. : used or usable for reference

  1. : to supply with references

  2. : to cite in or as a reference

  3. : to put in a form (such as a table) adapted to easy reference

See the full definition of reference
point play

  1. : an individual detail : item

  2. : a distinguishing detail

  3. : the most important essential in a discussion or matter

  1. : to furnish with a point : sharpen

  2. : to give added force, emphasis, or piquancy to

  3. : to scratch out the old mortar from the joints of (something, such as a brick wall) and fill in with new material

See the full definition of point

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