mean vs refer

mean is a noun but refer is not a noun.

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.

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 name, bring up, mention, cite, advert.

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

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