Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ r-my ə -l ə
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -las or -lae \ - ˌ l ē , - ˌ l ī \
Etymology: Latin, diminutive of forma form
Date: 1618
1 a : a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritual b : a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action
2 a (1) : RECIPE (2) : PRESCRIPTION b : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding an infant
3 a : a general fact, rule, or principle expressed in usually mathematical symbols b : a symbolic expression of the chemical composition or constitution of a substance c : a group of symbols (as letters and numbers) associated to express facts or data (as the number and kinds of teeth in the jaw) concisely d : a combination of signs in a logical calculus
4 : a customary or set form or method allowing little room for originality
– for · mu · la · ic \ ˌ fo ̇ r-my ə - ' l ā -ik \ adjective
– for · mu · la · ical · ly \ - ' l ā - ə -k( ə -)l ē \ adverb