reference work
[REF-er-ens wurk]
nounpl: reference works
obra de referência
1. A book or other resource designed to be consulted for information rather than read from beginning to end, such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or atlas.
The encyclopedia is an excellent reference work for students researching historical topics.
A enciclopédia é uma excelente obra de referência para estudantes pesquisarem tópicos históricos.
2. Any authoritative source used to verify facts, definitions, or information.
I consulted several reference works before writing my thesis.
Consultei várias obras de referência antes de escrever minha tese.
3. A document or publication that serves as a standard or guide for a particular field or subject.
This manual is considered the reference work for software developers.
Este manual é considerado a obra de referência para desenvolvedores de software.
In both Brazilian and American academic contexts, reference works are fundamental to research and education. Libraries traditionally organize these materials in separate reference sections. With the digital age, online reference works like Wikipedia and specialized databases have become increasingly important, though traditional printed reference works remain valued for their authority and comprehensiveness.
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