SYNONYMS | EXAMPLES | WORD ORIGIN noun the act or process of forming or the state of being formed: the formation of ice.
the manner in which a thing is formed; disposition of parts; formal structure or arrangement.
Military a particular disposition of troops, as in columns, squares, etc. any required assembling of the soldiers of a unit. Geology a body of rocks classed as a stratigraphic unit for geologic mapping. Compare member(def 8) . the process of depositing rock or mineral of a particular composition or origin. Origin of formation 1375–1425; late Middle English formacioun <
Latin fōrmātiōn- (stem of
fōrmātiō ), equivalent to
fōrmāt(us ) (see
form ,
-ate1 ) +
-iōn- -ion Related forms for·ma·tion·al , adjective mis·for·ma·tion , noun non·for·ma·tion , noun self-for·ma·tion , noun sub·for·ma·tion , noun su·per·for·ma·tion , noun Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for formation development ,
evolution ,
creation ,
arrangement ,
production ,
construction ,
design ,
pattern ,
structure ,
figure ,
generation ,
rank ,
embodiment ,
constitution ,
induction ,
genesis ,
deposit ,
manufacture ,
compilation ,
makeup Examples from the Web for formation Contemporary Examples of formation “Stay in formation ,” a sergeant from the ceremonial unit said over a public address system to the cops along the street.
This led to the formation of a Christian militant group to counter the rebels, and all-out sectarian violence exploded.
For that reason, we will never see the formation of another solar system unfold before our eyes.
The formation of neologisms is a natural process that no amount of outrage can halt.
Unnervingly, several Turkish tanks in a 30-strong formation on the side of an incline have their guns pointing into Turkey.
Historical Examples of formation Alike as to formation , aspect, and climate, the Causses are unique in France.'
The formation of the associations was effected without the slightest delay.
Too much guidance and restraint hinder the formation of habits of self-help.
The steep rocky shores have precluded the formation of terraces.
These expenses will amount to something very heavy in the formation of a company.
British Dictionary definitions for formation noun the act of giving or taking form, shape, or existence
something that is formed
the manner in which something is formed or arranged
a formal arrangement of a number of persons or things acting as a unit, such as a troop of soldiers, aircraft in flight, or a football team (as modifier ) formation dancing geology the fundamental lithostratigraphic unit a series of rocks with certain characteristics in common ecology a community of plants, such as a tropical rainforest, extending over a very large area
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Derived Forms formational , adjective Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for formation n. late 14c., from Old French formacion (12c.) or directly from Latin formationem (nominative formatio ) "a forming, shaping," noun of action or condition from past participle stem of formare "to form" (see form (v.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
n. The act or process of forming something or of taking form.
Something formed.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
A long, mappable body of rock that is recognizable by its physical characteristics and by its location within the rock record.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
