reference variable

noun

A variable used for storing the address of another variable or structure, equivalent to a pointer.

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Meanings

nounreference variable (plural reference variables)

plural reference variables

  1. computingA variable used for storing the address of another variable or structure, equivalent to a pointer.

    The value of a reference variable is the memory address at which the data associated with the object is stored.

    2003, Grant Palmer, Technical Java: Developing Scientific and Engineering Applications

Origin

reference + variable

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

reference variable. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reference%20variable

MLA

“reference variable.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reference%20variable. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “reference variable,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reference%20variable.

Source: reference variable on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.