cite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
    acknowledgment; reference; mention; citation; credit; quotation.
    • the student's essay failed to list several important citations
    • the acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book
    • the article includes mention of similar clinical cases
  2. verb make reference to
    name; bring up; advert; mention; refer.
    • His name was mentioned in connection with the invention
  3. verb commend
    mention.
    • he was cited for his outstanding achievements
  4. verb refer to
    reference.
    • he referenced his colleagues' work
  5. verb repeat a passage from
    quote.
    • He quoted the Bible to her
  6. verb refer to for illustration or proof
    quote.
    • He said he could quote several instances of this behavior
  7. verb advance evidence for
    adduce; abduce.
  8. verb call in an official matter, such as to attend court
    summons; summon.

WordNet


Cite transitive verb
Etymology
F. citer, fr. L. citare, intens. of cire, ciere, to put in motion, to excite; akin to Gr. to go, Skr. to sharpen.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Cited; present participle & verbal noun Citing
Definitions
  1. To call upon officially or authoritatively to appear, as before a court; to summon.
    The cited dead, Of all past ages, to the general doom Shall hasten. Milton.
    Cited by finger of God. De Quincey.
  2. To urge; to enjoin. R. Shak.
  3. To quote; to repeat, as a passage from a book, or the words of another.
    The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. Shak.
  4. To refer to or specify, as for support, proof, illustration, or confirmation.
    The imperfections which you have cited. Shak.
  5. To bespeak; to indicate. Obs.
    Aged honor cites a virtuous youth. Shak.
  6. (Law) To notify of a proceeding in court. Abbot Syn. -- To quote; mention, name; refer to; adduce; select; call; summon. See Quote.

Webster 1913