- formation
- for|ma|tionW2 [fo:ˈmeıʃən US fo:r-] n1.) [U]the process of starting a new organization or group= ↑creation formation of▪ the formation of a new government2.) [U]the process by which something develops into a particular thing or shapeformation of▪ the substances which lead to the formation of ozone▪ We now know a lot more about the early stages of planetary formation.3.)the way in which a group of things are arranged to form a pattern or shape▪ troop formations4.) in formationif a group of planes, ships, soldiers etc are moving in formation, they are flying, marching etc in a particular order or pattern▪ a squadron of aircraft, flying in formation5.) [U and C]rock or cloud that is formed in a particular shape, or the shape in which it is formedrock/cloud formation▪ the canyon's impressive rock formations6.) [U and C] technicalsociety, politics etc seen as a system of practices and beliefssocial/political/cultural etc formation▪ Marx founded a new science: the science of the history of social formations.
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.