reference materials
nounUK /ˈrɛf.ər.əns məˈtɪə.ri.əlz/
US /ˈrɛf.ər.əns məˈtɪr.i.əlz/
Books and other things you use to look up facts and information.
The library keeps dictionaries and encyclopedias in the reference materials section.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Documents or items used to support research or a project.
The scientist gathered reference materials before starting the experiment.
3. In a library, books that must be read inside and cannot be borrowed.
You can't take the reference materials home, but you can copy the pages.
4. Substances or samples kept for comparison in science or industry.
The lab stores reference materials to check the accuracy of its tests.