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reference manual

reference manual

1 3.7
A book or document that gives clear facts and instructions for quick checking
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛfərəns ˈmænjuəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : manual de referencia
  • Before starting the project, I consulted the reference manual to ensure I understood the requirements.

But what I like is that you are presenting it in in this book in one place so that it really is kind of a reference manual for all of these pillars.

Examples

  • The reference manual for the operating system contains all the information needed to troubleshoot common issues.

  • I used to need hundreds of technical reference manuals; now I just need the Internet.

    Blog text (13)
  • This publication is considered a reference manual for boiler and pressure vessel engineers around the world.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The book has an uncommonly fine binding, which is important for such a valuable reference manual.

    Blog text (18)
  • But what I like is that you are presenting it in in this book in one place so that it really is kind of a reference manual for all of these pillars.

  • Thanks to the herculean efforts of Mary McCarthy, Chairman, and members of the Service Awards Committee, a revised reference manual was reviewed and approved.

    Academic text (1998)
  • If you are inclined, you can look up histograms, levels, curves, adjustment layers, etc. in your software reference manual.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Most email sites offer training sessions to teachers and students, or can at least provide them with training guides and reference manuals in order to get them started with the commands needed to subscribe to various lists and newsgroups.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Give me a book I will eventually carry with me at all times, either in my backpack or saved digitally on my iPhone or Kindle, that is both a guide and a reference manual of sorts, like T4HWW.

    Blog text (34)
  • Each user received a reference manual that outlined the features and functions of the new software package.

Synonyms

guide
vsreference manual
249 1.0

A book that gives simple instructions and basic information

provides concise organized material aimed at quick answers for system usage
manual
vsreference manual
208 2.8

A book that shows how to use or fix something

provides concise organized material for quick consultation about particular systems
reference
vsreference manual
83 3.7

A book or source you check for facts

provides concise organized practical content for quick consultation about systems
handbook
vsreference manual
56 3.1

A short book with useful information and instructions about a subject or place

is organized for quick lookup and use across specific systems
documentation
vsreference manual
  • Specialized
50 3.8

Written information that explains how to use a machine or computer program

focuses on concise organized facts for immediate lookup not full technical records
guidebook
vsreference manual
33 2.1

A book that gives information and advice about a place or activity

is focused on concise technical lookup for system needs rather than travel
instruction manual
vsreference manual
14 2.9

A small book that tells you how to set up and use a product

aims for concise organized consultation for quick answers rather than long procedures
reference book
vsreference manual
8 2.6

A book you use to check facts or information

is arranged specifically to give concise answers for quick system queries
reference work
vsreference manual
1 3.5

A book you use to look up facts, not to read from start to finish

focuses on concise organized lookup to answer quick questions about systems
sourcebook
vsreference manual
1 4.4

A book that collects original documents and texts for study

is arranged for concise quick lookup rather than preserving original source documents
book of instructions
vsreference manual
1 2.7

A small guide that shows how to set up and use a device

is for general organized lookup across systems rather than tied to one product
book of knowledge
vsreference manual
1 3.6

A book that gives basic facts about many subjects like history and science

concentrates on concise organized facts for quick consultation about a particular system

How Detailed

reference manual
  • Specialized
1 3.7
manual
208 2.8
handbook
56 3.1
guide
249 1.0
pamphlet
79 3.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

reference + manual

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'reference' (a source for consultation) with 'manual' (an instructional booklet) — a manual intended for reference or consultation. This noun-noun compositional pattern is common in English (and mirrored in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The term reference manual comes from the idea of a small book you can use as a reference and a manual when you need facts. Imagine a handy book on your desk that you quickly 'look up' to find answers — that's why it means a book to 'consult' for quick information.