formation
- 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
Synonyms for formation
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for formation
development, evolution, creation, arrangement, production, construction, design, pattern, structure, figure, generation, rank, embodiment, constitution, induction, genesis, deposit, manufacture, compilation, makeupExamples 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 Roof of FranceMatilda Betham-Edwards
The formation of the associations was effected without the slightest delay.
FreelandTheodor Hertzka
Too much guidance and restraint hinder the formation of habits of self-help.
Self-HelpSamuel Smiles
The steep rocky shores have precluded the formation of terraces.
The Long Labrador TrailDillon Wallace
These expenses will amount to something very heavy in the formation of a company.
A Woman IntervenesRobert Barr
formation
- 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
Word Origin and History for formation
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.)).
formation
(fôr-mā′shən)- The act or process of forming something or of taking form.
- Something formed.
formation
- A long, mappable body of rock that is recognizable by its physical characteristics and by its location within the rock record.