Definition of references:
(n) :
The act of referring: a submitting for information or decision.
(n) :
(academic writing) A short written identification of a previously published work which is used as a source for a text.
(n) :
(academic writing) A previously published written work thus indicated; a source.
(n) :
A measurement one can compare (some other measurement) to.
(n) :
Information about a person, provided by someone (a referee) with whom they are well acquainted.
(n) :
(UK, Ireland) A person who provides this information; a referee.