0

I'm looking for a word to describe the concept of referencing or the act of referencing.

I'm configuring an issue tracking system that allows linking issues. A link is a pair of issues. These links can be configured to be of different types. This is useful to describe the meaning of a particular link – a link alone is too vague. For example, there is a link type called "Causality", with inward and outward relations defined as "A caused B" and "B is caused by A". Another link type is "Relation" which is a symmetric relation defined as "A is related to B" and "B is related to A". I need a link type name for "A references B".

Typically the word reference refers (at least, in my experience based on a programming background) to a specific reference and not the concept of referencing. For example: "variable x is a reference to value v" or "x references v". When I hear the word reference I assume an implicit "a", like "walk" as a noun seems to mean "a walk" and not the act of walking itself.

Is the act of referencing best called "reference"? Referentiality? Referenceness? Is there anything better/more appropriate than these terms?

More about abstract nouns can be found in this answer and wikipedia.

Improve this question
8
  • 4
    Reference is itself an abstract noun. What context are you thinking about? What do you want to say?
    – John Lawler
    Apr 21, 2017 at 16:58
  • I think both of your examples hearken more to "ability to be used as a reference." What aspect of referential integrity are you trying to harness? Is it the fitness for use as a reference? Is it the authority of the reference?
    – saritonin
    Apr 21, 2017 at 17:00
  • Well, typically the word reference refers (heh) to a specific reference and not the concept of referencing (at least in programming background). For example: "variable x is a reference to value v" or "x references v". When I hear the word reference I assume an implicit "a", like "walk" as a noun seems to mean "a walk" and not the act of walking itself. So is the act of referencing best called "reference"?
    – tomosius
    Apr 21, 2017 at 17:09
  • @saritonin - looking for a word to describe the concept of referencing or the act of referencing
    – tomosius
    Apr 21, 2017 at 17:11
  • 1
    Perhaps these will get you unstuck (perhaps not...): "A references B" is a citation. Maybe these will help: citing, and even referencing.
    – aparente001
    Apr 22, 2017 at 3:42

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Based on the clarification provided, the link type described would be a referential link. When A references B, they are said to have a referential relationship.

Improve this answer
2
  • Referential is an adjective, and the OP asks for a noun. I think you should add the corresponding noun to your answer. Would this be "referentiality"?
    – herisson
    Apr 21, 2017 at 18:03
  • @sumelic the two-word phrase is really the best way to describe the abstract concept, though I guess the noun form would be referentiality.
    – saritonin
    Nov 17, 2017 at 21:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.