From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishreference pointreference point (also point/frame of reference) a) an idea, fact, event etc that you already know, which helps you understand or make a judgment about another situation Lee’s case will be the reference point for lawyers in tomorrow’s trial. She used her work experience as a frame of reference for her teaching. b) something that you can see that helps you to know where you are when you are travelling in an area → reference
Examples from the Corpus
reference point• The time he spent in prison serves as a point of reference for Bowden - the lessons are worth remembering.• This team has a reference point.• It was a reference point without which the tragedy could not be expressed.• But he remained a constant reference point among those concerned about the course the nation was taking.• They establish reference points and reference lines.• Align to line up typeset or other graphic material as specified, using a base or vertical line as the reference point.• Fitzgerald's case will be the reference point for lawyers in tomorrow's trial.• It is equally correct and sometimes more useful to view demand from the reference point of quantity.• I concentrated on the reference points and on keeping one or two rotor diameters away from the other ship.• We are left with a play on signs which has no ultimate reference point other than the commodity. 