Dictionary
1formative
adjective for·ma·tive \ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\
—used to describe the time when someone or something is growing or being formed
: helping to develop something
Full Definition of FORMATIVE
1
a : giving or capable of giving form : constructive <a formative influence> b : used in word formation or inflection
2
: capable of alteration by growth and development; also : producing new cells and tissues
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by formative effects or formation <formative years>
— for·ma·tive·ly adverb
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First Known Use of FORMATIVE
15th century
Related to FORMATIVE
- Synonyms
- constructive, productive
- Antonyms
- nonconstructive, nonproductive, unproductive
Other Embryology Terms
Rhymes with FORMATIVE
2formative
noun
Definition of FORMATIVE
: the element (as a suffix) in a word that serves to give the word appropriate form and is not part of the base
First Known Use of FORMATIVE
1816
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Medical Dictionary
formative
adjective for·ma·tive \ˈfȯr-mət-iv\
Medical Definition of FORMATIVE
: capable of alteration by growth and development; also : producing new cells and tissues
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