refer vs mean

refer is not a noun while mean is a noun.

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

As verbs, mean is a hypernym of refer; that is, mean is a word with a broader meaning than refer:

Other hypernyms of refer include intend, signify, stand for.

As verbs, mean is a hypernym of refer; that is, mean is a word with a broader meaning than refer:

Other hypernyms of refer include have in mind, think of.

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

refer (adjective)	mean (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

refer (verb)	mean (verb)
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
have as a meaning	intend to refer to
make reference to	destine or designate for a certain purpose
use a name to designate	mean or intend to express or convey
seek information from	denote or connote
send or direct for treatment, information, or a decision	have as a logical consequence
be relevant to	have a specified degree of importance