The word "referral" refers to the act of directing someone to another person or organization for assistance, guidance, or services. It often implies that one person recommends or sends someone to a specialist or another professional who is better suited to help with a specific need. Referrals are common in various contexts, including healthcare, business, and education.
The word "referral" comes from the Latin verb "referre," which means "to carry back" or "to bring back." It was adopted into English in the early 20th century, retaining the sense of directing someone back to a source or authority for further assistance.