I. ˈfȯ(r)məd.iv adjective
Etymology: Middle French formatif, from Latin formatus + Middle French -if -ive
1.
a. : capable of giving form : tending to give form : constructive
a formative influence
farm animals … were brought to the colonies as a basic element of formative equipment — E.D.Ross
b. of an affix or other word element : used in word formation or inflection
2. : capable of or subject to alteration by growth and development ; usually : producing new cells and tissues : meristematic , plastic
a formative zone in developing bone
the formative cambium of a woody stem
3.
a. : of, relating to, or characterized by formative effects or formation : creative
the formative period in the life of a child
formative years
the formative arts
b. usually capitalized : of or belonging to the period of prehistoric cultural development in Peru and Central America during which the characteristic techniques and styles were forming — compare classic , florescent
• form·a·tive·ly -ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• form·a·tive·ness noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: the element (as a prefix or termination) in a word that serves to give the word appropriate form and is no part of the base