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

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, himself a new parent, is calling for tighter pricing regulations on the sale of baby formula, amid concerns about rising costs and out-of-control marketing to new parents.

From BBC

The high cost of baby formula is forcing many parents to "resort to extreme and unsafe measures to feed their babies", an MP has told the Commons.

From BBC

Rumors of Penske’s interest in purchasing the Long Beach race have been swirling for months, with the long list of other interested buyers said to include the France family, founders of NASCAR; Mark Walter, chairman of the Dodgers’ ownership group; and Liberty Media, which has a stake in Formula 1 racing.

From Los Angeles Times

The purchase of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the second-largest street race in the world behind only the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, also marks Penske’s return to Southern California racing at a time when the sport appears to be in retrenchment.

From Los Angeles Times