formative element

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of formative element

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

If we compare the different groups of the animal kingdom, however, we find that the animals, too, bear this polarity as a formative element.

From Man or Matter by Lehrs, Ernst

Here, as in many other cases, the formative element, vicus, is exchanged for Ceaster, and we get something like Lon-ceaster or finally Lancaster.

From Science in Arcady by Allen, Grant

Rousseau's "Sensibility."—Rousseau was one of those philosophers whose character is the formative element which gives shape to their doctrines.

From Religion and Science From Galileo to Bergson by Hardwick, John Charlton

It is the formative element in the karma as it has taken shape in bodily existence.—155,

From The Gospel of Buddha Compiled from Ancient Records by Paul Carus by Carus, Paul

Humanism again comes forward as an important literary formative element.

From John Lyly by Wilson, John Dover