form n
1 the shape or configuration of something as distinct from its colour, texture, etc.
2 the particular mode, appearance, etc., in which a thing or person manifests itself
water in the form of ice
3 a type or kind
imprisonment is a form of punishment
a a printed document, esp. one with spaces in which to insert facts or answers
an application form
b (as modifier)
a form letter
5 physical or mental condition, esp. good condition, with reference to ability to perform
off form
6 the previous record of a horse, athlete, etc., esp. with regard to fitness
7 (Brit)
slang a criminal record
8 style, arrangement, or design in the arts, as opposed to content
9 a fixed mode of artistic expression or representation in literary, musical, or other artistic works
sonata form
10 a mould, frame, etc., that gives shape to something
11 organized structure or order, as in an artistic work
12 (Education) (chiefly Brit) a group of children who are taught together; class
13 manner, method, or style of doing something, esp. with regard to recognized standards
14 behaviour or procedure, esp. as governed by custom or etiquette
good form
16 a prescribed set or order of words, terms, etc., as in a religious ceremony or legal document
a the structure of anything as opposed to its constitution or content
b essence as opposed to matter
c (in the philosophy of Plato) the ideal universal that exists independently of the particulars which fall under it
See also →
Form
d (in the philosophy of Aristotle) the constitution of matter to form a substance; by virtue of this its nature can be understood
19 (Brit) a bench, esp. one that is long, low, and backless
20 the nest or hollow in which a hare lives
21 a group of organisms within a species that differ from similar groups by trivial differences, as of colour
a the phonological or orthographic shape or appearance of a linguistic element, such as a word
b a linguistic element considered from the point of view of its shape or sound rather than, for example, its meaning
23 (Crystallog) See →
crystal form
24 (Taxonomy) a group distinguished from other groups by a single characteristic: ranked below a variety vb
25 to give shape or form to or to take shape or form, esp. a specified or particular shape
26 to come or bring into existence
a scum formed on the surface
27 to make, produce, or construct or be made, produced, or constructed
28 to construct or develop in the mind
to form an opinion
29 to train, develop, or mould by instruction, discipline, or example
30 to acquire, contract, or develop
to form a habit
31 to be an element of, serve as, or constitute
this plank will form a bridge
32 to draw up; organize
to form a club
(C13: from Old French forme, from Latin forma shape, model)
♦
formable adj
