noun pl. formulas or formulae
- a fixed form of words, esp. one that has lost its original meaning or force and is now used only as a conventional or ceremonial expression: “Very truly yours” is a formula used in letters
- a rule or method for doing something, esp. when conventional and used or repeated without thought: a formula for musical comedies
- an exact statement of religious faith or doctrine
- directions for preparing a medicine, a paint, a baby's food, etc.
- something prepared from such directions; often specif., a milk preparation for feeding a baby
- a set of algebraic symbols expressing a mathematical fact, principle, rule, etc.: A = πr is the formula for determining the area of a circle
- Chem. an expression of the composition of a compound (or a radical, etc.) by a combination of symbols and figures to show the constituents
Origin:
L, dim. of forma, form
adjective
designating or of any of various classes of racing car or motorcycle specially designed to conform to a particular set of specifications governing size, weight, engine displacement, etc.