mean vs refer

mean is a noun but refer is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
mean	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
refer	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, refer is a hyponym of mean; that is, refer is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than mean:

Other hyponyms of mean include advert, bring up, cite, mention, name.

As verbs, refer is a hyponym of mean; that is, refer is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than mean:

Other hyponyms of mean include denote.

mean (noun)	refer (noun)
an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n

mean (adjective)	refer (adjective)
of no value or worth
having or showing an ignoble lack of honor or morality
characterized by malice
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
marked by poverty befitting a beggar
(used of sums of money) so small in amount as to deserve contempt
(used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
very good; of the highest quality

mean (verb)	refer (verb)
have in mind as a purpose	think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group or in relation to another
intend to refer to	have as a meaning
destine or designate for a certain purpose	make reference to
mean or intend to express or convey	use a name to designate
denote or connote	seek information from
have as a logical consequence	send or direct for treatment, information, or a decision
have a specified degree of importance	be relevant to