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
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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
FORMULAIC 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
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