referendum
/ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm
/noun (plural referendums or referenda /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndə/)
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.He could also claim a legitimacy built on a succession of victories in irreproachably clean popular votes in referendums and multi-party elections....
- The third option is to do nothing until an abortion referendum is held.
- There is speculation that Britain will hold a national referendum on the issue sometime in 2003.
Synonyms
public vote, plebiscite, popular vote, ballot, poll
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Latin, gerund ( 'referring') or neuter gerundive ( 'something to be brought back or referred') of referre (see refer).