backreference

1 definition found

backreference - Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003) :

  backreference
   n.
  
     1. In a regular expression or pattern match, the text which was
     matched within grouping parentheses
  
     2. The part of the pattern which refers back to the matched text.
  
     3. By extension, anything which refers back to something which has
     been seen or discussed before. "When you said `she' just now, who
  were
     you backreferencing?"