(+ to) to direct attention to something by mentioning or alluding it; to allude to it

symbols that refer to footnotes

(+ to) to have recourse to something, e.g. for information; to consult it

referred frequently to his notes

to send or direct (somebody) for treatment, aid, information, testimony, etc

referred the patient to a specialist

to explain (something) in terms of a general cause

refers their lethargy to the weather

to allot (an event, etc) to a specified place, stage, period, or category

to experience (e.g. pain) as coming from or located in a different area from its source

to fail (somebody taking an examination)