n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 13th century
1 a : to give a particular shape to : shape or mold into a certain state or after a particular model < form the dough into a ball> <a state form ed along republican lines> b : to arrange themselves in <the dancers form ed a line> c : to model by instruction and discipline <a mind form ed by classical education>
2 : to give form or shape to : FASHION , CONSTRUCT
3 : to serve to make up or constitute : be an essential or basic element of
4 : DEVELOP , ACQUIRE < form a habit>
5 : to arrange in order : DRAW UP
6 a : to assume an inflection so as to produce (as a tense) < form s the past in -ed > b : to combine to make (a compound word)
intransitive verb
1 : to become formed or shaped
2 : to take form : come into existence : ARISE
3 : to take on a definite form, shape, or arrangement
– form · abil · i · ty \ ˌ fo ̇ r-m ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– form · able \ ' fo ̇ r-m ə -b ə l \ adjective
– form on : to take up a formation next to