formula

[ fawr-myuh-luh ]

noun

plural formulas, formulae

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

Ms Slingsby said she wanted Hackney Council to lobby the government over the funding formula, which "clearly isn't working for our London-based schools".

From BBC

She was in the store picking up formula - and some onesies and outfits for her daughter, who has yet to turn one.

From BBC

Faced with a nearly $1-billion budget shortfall, Los Angeles elected officials are returning to a tried-and-true formula for weathering difficult financial times: charging more for city services.

From Los Angeles Times

Disney would copy the formula with Cars Land in Anaheim, and later with worlds themed to “Avatar” and “Star Wars.”

From Los Angeles Times

In an interview with the Financial Times published Monday, Langone decried Trump’s tariffs as too large, imposed too hastily, and based on an incoherent mathematical formula.

From Los Angeles Times