cross reference

¹ American  

noun

1. a reference from one part of a book, index, or the like, to related material, as a word or illustration, in another part.

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cross-reference ² American  

[kraws-ref-er-uhns, -ref-ruhns, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˈrɛf ər əns, -ˈrɛf rəns, ˈkrɒs- /

verb (used with or without object)

cross-referenced, cross-referencing

1. to provide with cross references.

   The new encyclopedia is completely cross-referenced.

2. cross-refer.

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cross-reference British  

noun

1. a reference within a text to another part of the text

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verb

1. to cross-refer

Etymology

Origin of cross reference¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Origin of cross-reference²

First recorded in 1900–05

Explanation

When a book mentions something from a different part of the same book, that's a cross-reference. In a textbook, a cross-reference might look like this: "See page 123." Cross-reference, "a reference in a book to another part of it," was coined in the 19th century. It's a way to add more information without going into wordy detail, similar to using a footnote or endnote in academic writing. If you look up "Amelia Earhart" in an index at the back of a book, you might see cross-references such as "See also: Earhart, Amelia" and "See also: aviators."

Example Sentences

That’s an even better way to make sure companies can’t cross reference who you are.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2021

These people have different agendas and different biases, and you cross reference those lies.

From Salon • Feb. 29, 2020

Lenahan said while the car is “indescribable,” once investigators have the vehicle identification number, they will be able to cross reference any missing persons reports or other incidents related to the vehicle.

From Washington Times • Jan. 17, 2020

But enough remained in view to allow researchers to cross reference visible information with more complete public filings elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2016

I have considered it preferable to quote as a unit all that is said on the subject by each author, giving cross reference, when necessary, in discussing particular topics under other headings.

From Prehistoric Textile Art of Eastern United States Thirteenth Annual Report of the Beaurau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1891-1892, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1896 pages 3-46 by Holmes, William Henry