formula Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
    expression.
  2. noun directions for making something
    recipe.
  3. noun a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle
  4. noun a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements
    chemical formula.
  5. noun something regarded as a normative example
    pattern; normal; rule; convention.
    • the convention of not naming the main character
    • violence is the rule not the exception
    • his formula for impressing visitors
  6. noun a liquid food for infants
  7. noun (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
    rule.
    • he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs
    • he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials

WordNet

For"mu*la noun
Etymology
L., dim. of forma form, model. SeeForm, n.
Wordforms
plural E Formulas L Formulæ
Definitions
  1. A prescribed or set form; an established rule; a fixed or conventional method in which anything is to be done, arranged, or said.
  2. (Eccl.) A written confession of faith; a formal statement of foctrines.
  3. (Math.) A rule or principle expressed in algebraic language; as, the binominal formula.
  4. (Med.) A prescription or recipe for the preparation of a medicinal compound.
  5. (Chem.) A symbolic expression (by means of letters, figures, etc.) of the constituents or constitution of a compound. ✍ Chemical formulæ consist of the abbreviations of the names of the elements, with a small figure at the lower right hand, to denote the number of atoms of each element contained.

Webster 1913