frame of reference

• HYPHEN: frame of ref=er=ence

CIDE DICTIONARY

frame of reference, n. 

•  an arbitrary set of spatial coordinates used to describe the position or motion of objects. The coordinates may be fixed or moving; as, a rotating frame of reference.  [PJC]
•  a set of assumptions or conditions that are used to discuss or understand something; as, a religious frame of reference.  [PJC]

THESAURUS

frame of reference

Anschauung, angle, angle of vision, basis, eye, footing, framework, light, mental outlook, outlook, place, point of view, position, reference system, regard, respect, side, sight, situation, slant, stand, standpoint, system, universe, view, viewpoint