form

¹form

noun \ˈfȯrm\

Definition of FORM

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>

Examples of FORM

1. Coal is a form of carbon.
2. a rare form of cancer
3. a popular form of entertainment
4. an ancient form of music
5. the written form of the language
6. a style of architecture that emphasizes form over function
7. The shadowy forms of several people were visible through the smoke.

Origin of FORM

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FORM

Synonyms: cast, configuration, conformation, fashion, figure, geometry, shape

Antonyms: impropriety, indecency, indecorum

Related Words: contour, outline, profile, silhouette; frame, framework, shell, skeleton; arrangement, design, format, layout, makeup, organization, pattern, plan, setup

Near Antonyms: composition, material, matter, raw material, stuff, substance

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Rhymes with FORM

corm, dorm, norm, storm, swarm, warm