First Known Use: 1618
Dictionary
1formula
noun for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\
: 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
plural for·mu·las or for·mu·lae\-ˌlē, -ˌlī\
Full Definition of FORMULA
1
a : a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritual b : a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action
2
3
a : a general fact, rule, or principle expressed in usually mathematical symbols b : a symbolic expression of the chemical composition or constitution of a substance c : a group of symbols (as letters and numbers) associated to express facts or data (as the number and kinds of teeth in the jaw) concisely d : a combination of signs in a logical calculus
4
: a customary or set form or method allowing little room for originality
— for·mu·la·ic \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ik\ adjective
— for·mu·la·ical·ly \-ˈlā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See formula defined for English-language learners
See formula defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FORMULA
Latin, diminutive of forma form
2formula
adjective
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
First Known Use of FORMULA
1951
Other Automotive Terms
FORMULA[1] Defined for Kids
formula
noun for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\
Definition of FORMULA for Kids
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
noun for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\
plural for·mu·las or for·mu·lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\
Medical Definition of FORMULA
1
a : 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 for feeding an infant typically consisting of prescribed proportions and forms of cow's milk, water, and sugar; also : a batch of this made up at one time to meet an infant's future requirements (as during a 24-hour period)
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
Learn More About FORMULA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: formulablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: form speciesAll Words Near: formula
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up formula? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).