General terms:
* Allusion: This is the most general term and refers to any indirect reference to something else, usually something well-known. It can be a person, place, event, literary work, or even a concept.
* Reference: This term is more neutral and simply indicates a mention of something.
* Mention: This is similar to "reference" but emphasizes that the reference is brief and not necessarily elaborate.
More specific terms:
* Historical allusion: This refers specifically to a reference to a person, place, event, or idea from history.
* Literary allusion: This refers specifically to a reference to a person, place, event, or idea from literature.
* Bibliographic reference: This refers to a formal and specific citation of a source, often found in academic writing.
* Footnote: This is a brief note at the bottom of a page that provides additional information or clarification, often referencing another source.
* Endnote: Similar to a footnote, but located at the end of a document.
The best term to use will depend on the specific context and the nature of the reference. For example, if you are writing a research paper and need to provide a formal citation, you would use a "bibliographic reference." However, if you are simply making a brief, casual reference to a historical event in a conversation, you might simply call it an "allusion."