FORMULA


Meaning of FORMULA in English

/ ˈfɔːmjələ; NAmE ˈfɔ:rm-/ noun ( pl. for·mu·las or, especially in scientific use, for·mu·lae / -liː; NAmE /)

1.

[ C ] ( mathematics ) a series of letters, numbers or symbols that represent a rule or law :

This formula is used to calculate the area of a circle.

2.

[ C ] ( chemistry ) letters and symbols that show the parts of a chemical compound , etc. :

CO is the formula for carbon monoxide.

3.

[ C ] formula (for sth / for doing sth) a particular method of doing or achieving sth :

They're trying to work out a peace formula acceptable to both sides in the dispute.

There's no magic formula for a perfect marriage.

4.

[ C ] a list of the things that sth is made from, giving the amount of each substance to use :

the secret formula for the blending of the whisky

5.

(also ˈformula milk ) [ U , C ] ( especially NAmE ) a type of liquid food for babies, given instead of breast milk

6.

Formula One, Two, Three etc. [ U ] a class of racing car, based on engine size, etc. :

Formula One racing

7.

[ C ] a fixed form of words used in a particular situation :

legal formulae

The minister keeps coming out with the same tired formulas.

••

WORD ORIGIN

early 17th cent. (in the sense fixed form of words ): from Latin , diminutive of forma shape, mould.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.