: one of the different aspects a word may take as a result of inflection or change of spelling or pronunciation
verbal forms
e
: a mathematical expression of a particular type
a bilinear form
a polynomial form
10
a(1)
: orderly method of arrangement (as in the presentation of ideas) : manner of coordinating elements (as of an artistic production or course of reasoning)
(2)
: a particular kind or instance of such arrangement
Noun Coal is a form of carbon. a rare form of cancer a popular form of entertainment an ancient form of music the written form of the language a style of architecture that emphasizes form over function The shadowy forms of several people were visible through the smoke. Verb The friendship that they formed in school lasted a lifetime. Her early experiences played an important role in forming her personality. His ideas were not yet fully formed. The drug can help prevent blood clots from forming. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. A plan was gradually forming in my mind. A plan was gradually forming itself in my mind. An angry crowd was forming in the streets. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Crochet pieces dominated the collection in the form of bags, cutout skirts and a multicolored two-piece looped knit set. Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2022 Unmanaged stress can rear its head in the form of sleep difficulties, Robbins said. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 16 Sep. 2022 Apple’s new iPhone 14 goes on sale today, but this release is marked by a new twist in the form of Netflix marketing that could help boost awareness of the product. Adario Strange, Quartz, 16 Sep. 2022 Proof that there is room for subtlety and propriety in a world where algorithms are written to encourage engagement is delivered in the form of a new line, Brioni Donna, launched, essentially, by demand. Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2022 For the next several months, staff at the facility logged the birds’ behavior throughout the day and night in a notebook, describing their eating habits and social bonding in the form of ‘’cuddle puddles’' and play. Alice Li, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2022 But these investments appear to be paying off in the form of greater efficiency and control of its supply chain. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2022 Their magic mostly comes in the form of music, and is used to support other characters rather than destroy enemies outright. Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2022 The giveaway, offered to those who sign up at the BetterHelp website, will come in the form of one-month of free therapy subscriptions, with a total equivalent value of up to $3 million. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022
Verb
Helicopters were also deployed to rescue seven people in the remote towns of the Apennine Mountains, which form the backbone of central Italy. Frances D'emilio, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2022 The video follows a TikTok Swift posted last night, revealing that the album artwork for the four different-colored pressings — mahogany, jade green, blood moon, and moonstone blue — of her LP’s vinyl form a clock. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2022 Yet the film’s strongest scenes emerge from moments of vulnerability, especially once the general and her star student form an intense bond. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2022 The mismatched protagonists — the brooding new girl, Eleanor (Hawke), and the disgraced queen bee, Drea (Mendes) — bond during a clandestine meeting the summer before their senior year and form a pact to enact each other’s revenge. Elaina Patton, NBC News, 16 Sep. 2022 Helicopters were also deployed to rescue seven people in the more remote towns of the Apennine Mountains, which form the backbone of central Italy.Fox News, 16 Sep. 2022 Make a mixture of equal parts white glue and water, then dip one-inch-wide strips of paper in the mixture and form the strips around the bowl. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2022 Some leaf shed can still be expected, but the new leaves that form while the plant is inside will be better-adapted to the new light levels. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 15 Sep. 2022 Patrons form lines hours before the restaurant opens its doors daily at 4 p.m. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English forme, from Anglo-French furme, forme, from Latin forma form, beauty
Combining form
formic
Adjective combining form
French & Latin; French -forme, from Latin -formis, from forma