formula

[ fawr-myuh-luh ]

noun

, plural for·mu·las, for·mu·lae [fawr, -my, uh, -lee].

1. a set form of words, as for stating or declaring something definitely or authoritatively, for indicating procedure to be followed, or for prescribed use on some ceremonial occasion.
2. any fixed or conventional method for doing something:

   His mystery stories were written according to a popular formula.

3. Mathematics.
   1. a rule or principle, frequently expressed in algebraic symbols.
   2. such a symbolic expression.
4. Chemistry. an expression of the constituents of a compound by symbols and figures. Compare empirical formula, molecular formula, structural formula.
5. a recipe or prescription:

   a new formula for currant wine.

6. a special nutritive mixture, especially of milk, sugar, and water, in prescribed proportions for feeding a baby.
7. a formal statement of religious doctrine.
8. (initial capital letter) a set of specifications as to weight, engine displacement, fuel capacity, etc., for defining a class of racing cars (usually followed by a limiting numerical designation):

   Some races are open to Formula One cars.

formula

/ ˈfɔːmjʊlə; ˌfɔːmjʊˈleɪɪk /

noun

1. an established form or set of words, as used in religious ceremonies, legal proceedings, etc
2. maths physics a general relationship, principle, or rule stated, often as an equation, in the form of symbols
3. chem a representation of molecules, radicals, ions, etc, expressed in the symbols of the atoms of their constituent elements See molecular formula empirical formula structural formula
4. 1. a method, pattern, or rule for doing or producing something, often one proved to be successful
   2. ( as modifier )

      formula fiction

5. 1. a prescription for making up a medicine, baby's food, etc
   2. a substance prepared according to such a prescription
6. motor racing the specific category in which a particular type of car competes, judged according to engine size, weight, and fuel capacity

formula

/ fôr′myə-lə /

, Plural formulas fôr′myə-lē′

1. A set of symbols showing the composition of a chemical compound. A formula lists the elements contained within it and indicates the number of atoms of each element with a subscript numeral if the number is more than 1. For example, H 2 O is the formula for water, where H 2 indicates two atoms of hydrogen and O indicates one atom of oxygen.
2. A set of symbols expressing a mathematical rule or principle. For example, the formula for the area of a rectangle is a = lw, where a is the area, l the length, and w the width.

Derived Forms

• formulaic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of formula¹

1575–85; < Latin: register, form, rule. See form, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of formula¹

C17: from Latin: diminutive of forma form

Example Sentences

He said: "I want to assure him that we are committed to addressing the concerns raised by the CMA so that the infant formula market delivers the better outcomes that parents deserve."

From BBC

The cost of baby milk has surged in recent years, while retailers in the UK are not allowed to advertise or offer discounts on infant formula because it might discourage breastfeeding.

From BBC

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu may have preferred Biden, but he is familiar with Trump’s style of politics and will seek a formula for keeping America onside in its war against jihadist group Boko Haram.

From BBC

There's no doubt the new-age formula has worked for CBS, but it is a far cry from the traditions of Match of the Day.

From BBC

Sasha Boole: For more than 10 years, I was doing country and western folk music in Ukraine, trying to combine that with the Ukrainian soul and find new formulas.

From Los Angeles Times

What Is The Plural Of Formula?

Plural word for formula

The plural form of formula can be either formulas or formulae, pronounced [ fawr-myuh-lee ]. Formulas is more widely used. The plural form of several other singular words ending in -a are formed in this way, such as camera/cameras, pajama/pajamas, and pizza/pizzas. 

Irregular plurals that are formed like formulae, such as larva/larvae or fauna/faunae, derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin.