A citation, often referred to as a quote, is a reference to a source of information or an idea. It acknowledges the original author or creator, providing credit for their work. Citations are essential in academic writing, as they help avoid plagiarism and allow readers to locate the original material for further study. Citations can take various forms, including direct quotes, paraphrases, or summaries. They typically include details such as the author's name, publication date, and page number. Common citation styles include APA, MLA, and Chicago, each with specific formatting rules to ensure consistency and clarity.