[for.mat] n [F or G; F, fr. G, fr. L formatus, pp. of formare to form, fr. forma] (1840) 1: the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed)
2: general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show)
[2]format vt for.mat.ted ; for.mat.ting (1964): to arrange (as material to be printed or stored data) in a particular format -- for.mat.ter n