Main Entry: ¹form

Pronunciation: \ˈfȯrm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English forme, from Anglo-French furme, forme, from Latin forma form, beauty

Date: 13th century

1 a : the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material b : a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face : figure c archaic : beauty
2 : the essential nature of a thing as distinguished from its matter: as a : idea 1a b : the component of a thing that determines its kind
3 a : established method of expression or proceeding : procedure according to rule or rote; also : a standard or expectation based on past experience : precedent <true to form, the champions won again> b : a prescribed and set order of words : formula <the form of the marriage service>
4 : a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information <tax forms>
5 a (1) : conduct regulated by extraneous controls (as of custom or etiquette) : ceremony (2) : show without substance b : manner or conduct as tested by a prescribed or accepted standard <rudeness is simply bad form> c : manner or style of performing or accomplishing according to recognized standards of technique <a strong swimmer but weak on form>
6 a : the resting place or nest of a hare b : a long seat : bench
7 a : a supporting frame model of the human figure or part (as the torso) of the human figure usually used for displaying apparel b : a proportioned and often adjustable model for fitting clothes c : a mold in which concrete is placed to set
8 : the printing type or other matter arranged and secured in a chase ready for printing
9 a : one of the different modes of existence, action, or manifestation of a particular thing or substance : kind <one form of respiratory disorder> <a form of art> b : a distinguishable group of organisms c : linguistic form d : one of the different aspects a word may take as a result of inflection or change of spelling or pronunciation <verbal forms> e : a mathematical expression of a particular type <a bilinear form> <a polynomial form>
10 a (1) : orderly method of arrangement (as in the presentation of ideas) : manner of coordinating elements (as of an artistic production or course of reasoning) (2) : a particular kind or instance of such arrangement <the sonnet is a poetical form> b : pattern, schema <arguments of the same logical form> c : the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art — compare content 2c d : a visible and measurable unit defined by a contour : a bounded surface or volume
11 : a grade in a British school or in some American private schools
12 a (1) : the past performance of a race horse (2) : racing form b : known ability to perform <a singer at the top of her form> c : condition suitable for performing (as in athletic competition) <back on form>