format

pronunciation

How to pronounce format in British English: UK [ˈfɔːmæt] word uk audio image

How to pronounce format in American English: US [ˈfɔːrmæt] word us audio image

Noun:

the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)
the general appearance of a publication
Verb:

set (printed matter) into a specific format
determine the arrangement of (data) for storage and display (in computer science)
divide (a disk) into marked sectors so that it may store data

Word Origin

format (v.): "arrange into a format," 1964, in reference to electronic computing, from format (n.). Related: Formatted; formatting.

format (n.): 1840, "shape and size" (of a book), via French format (18c.), ultimately from Modern Latin liber formatus "a book formed" in a certain shape and size, from past participle of formare "to form," from forma (see form (n.)). Extended to computers by 1955.

Synonym

n.

contour measurements thickness size frame-work shape look appearance aspect dimensions structure form frame

n.

genre style kind make manner suit mode variety type cast

n.

setup composition constitution comprisal grouping organization system arrangement configuration

n.

adumbration formula layout design outline scheme sketch method blueprint plan pattern model

Example

1. Remember , webm is google 's open video format .

2. After all , e-books are a new format and a different product .

3. Good at format our unhappy .

4. But britain 's papers are also exceptionally innovative , busily testing new format sizes and prices .

5. Now the dominant e-book format is xhtml .

more: >How to Use "format" with Example Sentences