See Also: Formula(medicine)
formula(dictionary)
formula(dictionary)
Formula One(dictionary)
Formula(health)
spatial formula(medicine)
rational formula(medicine)
stereochemical formula(medicine)
official formula(medicine)
molecular formula(medicine)

formula (iou)



formula noun. , -las. E17.
[Latin, dim. of forma FORM noun: see -ULE.]
A set form of words prescribed by authority or custom for use on ceremonial or social occasions; also (freq. derog.), a rule unintelligently or slavishly followed, a traditional or conventional belief or established method. E17.
K. Clark All art is to some degree symbolic and recognition depends on certain long accepted formulae. D. Macdonald The formula for a best seller now includes a minimum of 'outspoken' descriptions of sexual activities. C. V. Wedgwood The executioner did not go through the usual formula of asking for, and receiving the forgiveness of his victim.
b. A set form of words as a definition or an enunciation of a principle or (religious) doctrine; esp. a statement or method intended to reconcile different aims or opinions. E18.
H. H. Wilson Forcing the Brahmins..to repeat the Mohammedan formula of faith. P. G. Wodehouse It was plain that this girl and he were poles apart and could never hope to find a formula.
c. Literary Criticism. A stock epithet, phrase, or line, repeated for various effects in literary composition, esp. epic poetry. L19.
transf.: E. M. Forster He enters crying 'Revenge!' or 'My heart bleeds for humanity!' or whatever his formula is.
A prescription; a list of ingredients, a recipe; N. Amer. baby food made up from a recipe. E18.
T. Morrison She was a wet-nurse..and made her living from white babies. Then formula came and she almost starve to death.
a. Math. & Physics etc. A general rule, principle, or relationship expressed in symbols, often as an equation. L18.
b. Chemistry. An expression of the atomic constituents of a compound by means of symbols and figures. M19.
empirical formula: see EMPIRICAL.
c. In general scientific use, a group of symbols or figures condensing a set of facts. M19.
dental formula: see DENTAL adjective. floral formula: see FLORAL adjective.
Motor Racing. The class or specification of a racing car, usu. expressed in terms of engine capacity. E20.
formula one, formula two, formula three, formula 5000, etc.