for ‧ mu ‧ la S3 W3 AC /ˈfɔːmjələ, ˈfɔːmjʊlə $ ˈfɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun ( plural formulas or formulae /-liː/)
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: 'small form' , from forma ; ⇨ ↑ form 1 ]
1 . [singular] a method or set of principles that you use to solve a problem or to make sure that something is successful:
We’re still searching for a peace formula.
formula for
a formula for the withdrawal of US forces from the area
There is no magic formula (=a method that is certain to be successful) that will transform sorrow into happiness.
With viewing figures up a million, the programme has a winning formula.
2 . [countable] a series of numbers or letters that represent a mathematical or scientific rule:
the formula for calculating distance
Sugar is represented by the simple formula CHO.
3 . [countable] a list of the substances used to make a medicine, ↑ fuel , drink etc, showing the amounts of each substance that should be used:
Our products are handmade from traditional formulas.
4 . Formula One/Two/Three etc a type of car racing, in which the different types are based on the size of the cars’ engines:
a Formula One car
5 . [uncountable] a type of liquid food for babies that is similar to a woman’s breast milk
6 . [countable] a fixed and familiar series of words that seems meaningless or insincere:
a speech full of the usual formulas and clichés
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ system an organized set of ideas, methods, actions etc that you use to do something:
the airport security system
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the system for dealing with refugees
▪ process a series of actions that are done in order to achieve a particular result:
the process of teaching children to read
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Repeat the same process, until all the sugar has dissolved.
▪ procedure the official or usually agreed way of doing something:
You must follow the normal complaints procedure.
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Large companies have a standard procedure for informing new employees about conditions of work.
▪ formula a method or set of principles that you use to solve a problem or make sure that something is successful:
The team are hoping to use the same winning formula that they used last season.
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There is no magic formula for success (=a method that is certain to succeed) .