0 to talk or write about someone or something, especially in only a few words: --
The new salary scale only refers to company managers and directors.
In her autobiography she occasionally refers to her unhappy schooldays.
1 to talk or write about someone or something: --
2 to relate to a particular person or thing: --
On page two of your handout you will find a list of the books that I have referred to during the lecture.
The children on trial were referred to as child X and child Y.
Outside England, the Anglican Church is often referred to as the Episcopalian Church.
It's something of a misnomer to refer to these inexperienced boys as soldiers.
Pronouns are often used to refer to a noun that has already been mentioned.