formative element

noun

, Grammar.

1. a morpheme that serves as an affix, not as a base, or root, in word formation.
2. any noninflectional morpheme, whether base or affix.

Word History and Origins

Origin of formative element¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

There remains still one highly important thing to be considered as a formative element of the Japanese spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the formative element in the karma as it has taken shape in bodily existence.

From Project Gutenberg

Humanism again comes forward as an important literary formative element.

From Project Gutenberg