formation
pronunciation
How to pronounce formation in British English:
UK [fɔːˈmeɪʃn]
How to pronounce formation in American English:
US [fɔːrˈmeɪʃn]
-
- Noun:
- an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit
- a particular spatial arrangement
- the fabrication of something in a particular shape
- the act of forming something
- (geology) the geological features of the earth
- natural process that causes something to form
- creation by mental activity
Word Origin
- formation (n.)
- late 14c., "vital force in plants and animals;" early 15c., "act of creating or making," from Old French formacion "formation, fashioning, creation" (12c.) or directly from Latin formationem (nominative formatio) "a forming, shaping," noun of action or condition from past participle stem of formare "to form," from forma (see form (n.)). Meaning that which is formed or created" is from 1640s. In geology, "group of rocks having a similar origin or character," 1815. Related: Formational.
Example
- 1. Stress has a significant detrimental effect on memory formation .
- 2. Their contact represents a period of erosion after tilting ( folding ) of the austin glen formation .
- 3. But although there is a link between hard times and family formation , its nature is controversial .
- 4. Proper insulin function in the brain appears necessary to the formation and maintenance of memories .
- 5. State formation is a murkier process .