form
form /ˈfɔrm/
noun
-
(
)
(linguistics) the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
(
descriptor
, signifier
, word form
, form
)
(linguistics) the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
The inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached
the inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached
-
()
A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
(
variety
, form
, sort
, kind
)
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
Sculpture is a form of art
sculpture is a form of art
What kinds of desserts are there?
what kinds of desserts are there?
-
()
A perceptual structure
(
shape
, pattern
, form
)
a perceptual structure
The composition presents problems for students of musical form
the composition presents problems for students of musical form
A visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
-
()
Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
(
conformation
, configuration
, contour
, form
, shape
)
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
He could barely make out their shapes
he could barely make out their shapes
-
()
Alternative names for the body of a human being
(
bod
, build
, chassis
, anatomy
, human body
, material body
, physical body
, physique
, soma
, figure
, flesh
, form
, frame
, shape
)
alternative names for the body of a human being
Leonardo studied the human body
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
he has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
-
()
The spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
(
shape
, form
)
the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
Geometry is the mathematical science of shape
geometry is the mathematical science of shape
-
()
The visual appearance of something or someone
(
cast
, shape
, form
)
the visual appearance of something or someone
The delicate cast of his features
the delicate cast of his features
-
()
A printed document with spaces in which to write
(
form
)
a printed document with spaces in which to write
He filled out his tax form
he filled out his tax form
-
()
A particular mode in which something is manifested
(
form
)
a particular mode in which something is manifested
His resentment took the form of extreme hostility
his resentment took the form of extreme hostility
-
()
An arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse
(
form
)
an arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse
The essay was in the form of a dialogue
the essay was in the form of a dialogue
He first sketches the plot in outline form
he first sketches the plot in outline form
-
()
(biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
(
variant
, form
, strain
, var.
)
(biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
A new strain of microorganisms
a new strain of microorganisms
-
A mold for setting concrete
(
form
)
a mold for setting concrete
They built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation
they built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation
-
A life-size dummy used to display clothes
(
form
, manakin
[Non-standard] , manikin
, mannequin
, mannikin
)
a life-size dummy used to display clothes
-
An ability to perform well
(
form
)
an ability to perform well
He was at the top of his form
he was at the top of his form
The team was off form last night
the team was off form last night
-
A body of students who are taught together
(
course
, form
, class
, grade
[ N. American] )
a body of students who are taught together
Early morning classes are always sleepy
early morning classes are always sleepy
-
(physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary
(
form
, phase
)
(physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary
The reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system
the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system
verb
-
()
Create (as an entity)
(
organise
[British] , organize
, form
)
create (as an entity)
Social groups form everywhere
social groups form everywhere
They formed a company
They formed a company
-
()
To compose or represent
(
constitute
, make
, form
)
to compose or represent
This wall forms the background of the stage setting
This wall forms the background of the stage setting
The branches made a roof
The branches made a roof
This makes a fine introduction
This makes a fine introduction
-
()
Develop into a distinctive entity
(
spring
, take form
, take shape
, form
)
develop into a distinctive entity
Our plans began to take shape
our plans began to take shape
-
()
Give shape or form to
(
shape
, form
)
give shape or form to
Shape the dough
shape the dough
Form the young child's character
form the young child's character
-
()
Make something, usually for a specific function
(
forge
, mold
[ N. American] , mould
, form
, shape
, work
)
make something, usually for a specific function
She molded the rice balls carefully
She molded the rice balls carefully
Form cylinders from the dough
Form cylinders from the dough
Shape a figure
shape a figure
Work the metal into a sword
Work the metal into a sword
-
()
Establish or impress firmly in the mind
(
imprint
, form
)
establish or impress firmly in the mind
We imprint our ideas onto our children
We imprint our ideas onto our children
-
Assume a form or shape
(
form
)
assume a form or shape
The water formed little beads
the water formed little beads
