# dereference

> English word · Verb · IPA /dɪˈɹɛfɹəns/

## Definitions
1. To access the value or object located in a memory location addressed by a pointer or another value interpreted as such; to access a value being referenced by something else.
2. To operate on the file or directory pointed to by a symbolic link, rather than on the link itself.
3. To dissolve a symbolic link by replacing it with a copy of its target.

## Etymology
From de- + reference.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/dereference