format
[ fawr-mat ]
/ ˈfɔr mæt /
noun
verb (used with object), for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.
to plan or provide a format for: to format the annual telethon.
Computers.
- to set the format of (input or output): Some word-processing programs format output in a variety of ways.
- to prepare (a disk) for writing and reading.
verb (used without object), for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.
to devise a format.
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RELATED WORDS
scheme, form, pattern, setup, arrangement, shape, configuration, composition, size, look, figure, makeup, formation, formula, dimensions
Nearby words
formally, formalwear, formamidase, forman, formant, format, formate, formatio, formation, formation dance, formation rules
Origin of format
1830–40; < French < Latin (liber) fōrmātus (a book) formed (in a certain way)
Related formsfor·mat·ter, nounpre·for·mat, verb (used with object), pre·for·mat·ted, pre·for·mat·ting.re·for·mat, verb, re·for·mat·ted, re·for·mat·ting.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for format
British Dictionary definitions for format
format
/ (ˈfɔːmæt) /
noun
the general appearance of a publication, including type style, paper, binding, etc
an approximate indication of the size of a publication as determined by the number of times the original sheet of paper is folded to make a leafSee also duodecimo, quarto
style, plan, or arrangement, as of a television programme
computing
- the defined arrangement of data encoded in a file or for example on magnetic disk or CD-ROM, essential for the correct recording and recovery of data on different devices
- the arrangement of text on printed output or a display screen, or a coded description of such an arrangement
verb -mats, -matting or -matted (tr)
to arrange (a book, page, etc) into a specified format
Word Origin for format
C19: via French from German, from Latin liber formātus volume formed
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Science definitions for format
format
[ fôr′măt′ ]
Noun
The arrangement of data for storage or display.
Verb
To divide a disk into marked sectors so that it may store data.
To determine the arrangement of data for storage or display.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.