/ ˌprəʊ ˈfɔːmə; NAmE ˌproʊ ˈfɔːrmə/ adjective (from Latin ) [ usually before noun ]
1.
( especially of a document ) prepared in order to show the usual way of doing sth or to provide a standard method :
a pro forma letter
pro forma instructions
2.
( of a document ) sent in advance :
a pro forma invoice (= a document that gives details of the goods being sent to a customer)
3.
done because it is part of the usual way of doing sth, although it has no real meaning :
a pro forma debate
► pro forma noun :
I enclose a pro forma for you to complete, sign and return.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent.: from Latin .