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| form [ fawrm ] |
noun (plural forms) |
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1. variety of something: a type of something that has various different types
  a rare form of cancer
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2. manifestation: the particular way that something is or appears to be
bonuses in the form of extra vacation days
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3. basic structure: the shape or structure of a thing that gives it its distinctive character, considered apart from its content, color, texture, or composition
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4. shape of something: the shape or appearance of a thing that makes it identifiable
a constellation in the form of a diamond
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5. indistinct shape: a shape like a person or other living thing that cannot be clearly made out
a shadowy form in the distance
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6. document: a document, usually with blank spaces for answers or information to be supplied
fill out the form
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7. condition of somebody or something: the condition of an organization, team, performer, athlete, or animal, with regard to fitness, health, and ability to perform well
a violinist at the top of her form
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8. track record: the previous record of a horse, athlete, or team
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9. behavior: behavior or manners with reference to propriety
It's considered bad form to cheat at games.
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10. formula: a fixed set or order of words or procedures, e.g. in a religious ceremony or a legal document
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11. biology subdivision of species: a subdivision of a species, ranking below variety, usually indicating a minor difference among members, e.g. in color
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12. arts outline structure: the structure, design, or arrangement of a work of art or piece of writing, as opposed to its content
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13. arts mode of expression: a fixed mode of literary or musical expression
a strict adherence to sonata form
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14. arts industry mold or frame: a mold, frame, or model within which or around which something can be shaped
concrete forms
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15. dress human shape: a model of a human body or torso, used for fitting or displaying clothes
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16. furniture bench: a long low wooden seat or bench with no back rest
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17. U.S. printing printing template: a body of typographical elements assembled in a chase in preparation for printing.
Canadian term forme
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18. linguistics word in relation to its root: a word considered in relation to its root or the word it is derived from
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19. linguistics look or sound of word: the way a word is written or how it sounds, as opposed to its meaning
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20. U.K. education British school grade: in the United Kingdom, a class or grade in school
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verb (past and past participle formed, present participle form·ing, 3rd person present singular forms) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb give shape to something: to give a shape or arrangement to something, or take shape
A circle of onlookers formed around the injured man.
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2. transitive and intransitive verb start to exist: to cause something to develop or exist, or begin to develop or exist, especially as part of a natural process
Crystals began to form at the bottom of the jar.
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3. transitive verb set something up: to establish or organize something
form a task force to monitor the impact of deregulation
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4. transitive verb make something: to make or construct something, often by arranging or combining component parts
The plural is formed by adding an "s."
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5. transitive verb conceive of something: to develop an opinion, impression, or idea in the mind
not enough information to form an opinion
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6. transitive verb cause something to develop: to influence somebody strongly through teaching, discipline, or example, and cause a particular personal development
an early life in the country that formed his quiet nature
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7. transitive verb create something: to acquire or establish and develop something intangible such as a habit or relationship
form an alliance with other family members
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8. transitive verb serve as something: to constitute or be a basic element or characteristic of something
a mountain range forming a natural boundary between the two countries
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| [13th century. Via French< Latin forma "mold, shape, beauty"] |
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| form·a·ble adjective |
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take form to become visible, distinct, or discernible
A plan started to take form in his mind.
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true to form as could be expected judging from somebody's past behavior
True to form, they were exactly twenty minutes late.
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