formula

play

noun for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\

Definition of formula

plural

formulas

formulae

play \ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlē, -ˌlī\

1a : a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritualb : a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action
2a (1) : recipe The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal. (2) : prescriptionb : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding an infant
3a : a general fact, rule, or principle expressed in usually mathematical symbolsb : a symbolic expression of the chemical composition or constitution of a substancec : a group of symbols (such as letters and numbers) associated to express facts or data (such as the number and kinds of teeth in the jaw) conciselyd : a combination of signs in a logical calculus
4 : a customary or set form or method allowing little room for originality All her books were written according to a familiar formula.

formulaic

play \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ik\ adjective

formulaically

play \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See formula defined for English-language learners

See formula defined for kids

Examples of formula in a Sentence

His investment strategy is based on a simple formula.
This has proven to be a winning formula.
The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal.
The formula for water is H2O.
infants drinking formula instead of their mother's milk

Origin and Etymology of formula

Latin, diminutive of forma form

First Known Use: 1618

formula

adjective for·mu·la

Definition of formula

: of, relating to, or being an open-wheel open-cockpit rear-engine racing car conforming to prescribed specifications as to size, weight, and engine displacement

Origin and Etymology of formula

see ¹formula

First Known Use: 1951

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission

FORMULA Defined for English Language Learners

formula

play

noun

Definition of formula for English Language Learners

: a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something
: a list of the ingredients used for making something (such as a medicine or a drink)
mathematics : a general fact or rule expressed in letters and symbols

FORMULA Defined for Kids

formula

play

noun for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\

Definition of formula for Students

1 : a direction giving amounts of the substances for the preparation of something (as a medicine)
2 : an established form or method a formula for success
3 : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding a baby
4 : a general fact or rule expressed in symbols We learned a formula for finding the size of an angle.
5 : an expression in symbols giving the makeup of a substance The chemical formula for water is H₂O.

Medical Dictionary

formula

play

noun for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\

Medical Definition of formula

plural

formulas

formulae

\-ˌlē, -ˌlī\play play

1a: a recipe or prescription giving method and proportions of ingredients for the preparation of some material (as a medicine)b: a milk mixture or substitute (as one containing soybean protein) for feeding an infant
2: a symbolic expression showing the composition or constitution of a chemical substance and consisting of symbols for the elements present and subscripts to indicate the relative or total number of atoms present in a molecule the formula for ethyl alcohol is C₂H₅OH—see empirical formula, molecular formula, structural formula