n. & v.
n. 1 the shape and size of a book, periodical, etc. 2 the style or manner of an arrangement or procedure. 3 Computing a defined structure for holding data etc. in a record for processing or storage.
v.tr. (formatted, formatting) 1 arrange or put into a format. 2 Computing prepare (a storage medium) to receive data.
[ F f. G f. L formatus (liber) shaped (book), past part. of formare FORM ]