form meaning and definition

FORM noun

Definition of form (noun)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: descriptor, signifier, word form
2. a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
   • "sculpture is a form of art"; "what kinds of desserts are there?"
   • synonyms: kind, sort, variety
3. a perceptual structure
   • "the composition presents problems for students of musical form"; "a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them"
   • synonyms: pattern, shape
4. any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
   • "he could barely make out their shapes"
   • synonyms: configuration, conformation, contour, shape
5. alternative names for the body of a human being
   • "Leonardo studied the human body"; "he has a strong physique"; "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak"
   • synonyms: anatomy, bod, build, chassis, figure, flesh, frame, human body, material body, physical body, physique, shape, soma
6. the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
   • "geometry is the mathematical science of shape"
   • synonyms: shape
7. the visual appearance of something or someone
   • "the delicate cast of his features"
   • synonyms: cast, shape
8. a printed document with spaces in which to write
   • "he filled out his tax form"
9. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
   • "a new strain of microorganisms"
   • synonyms: strain, var., variant
10. an arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse
    • "the essay was in the form of a dialogue"; "he first sketches the plot in outline form"
11. a particular mode in which something is manifested
    • "his resentment took the form of extreme hostility"
12. (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"
    • synonyms: phase
13. a body of students who are taught together
    • "early morning classes are always sleepy"
    • synonyms: class, course, grade
14. an ability to perform well
    • "he was at the top of his form"; "the team was off form last night"
15. a life-size dummy used to display clothes
    • synonyms: manakin, manikin, mannequin, mannikin
16. a mold for setting concrete
    • "they built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation"

FORM verb

Definition of form (verb)

1. create (as an entity)
   • "social groups form everywhere"; "They formed a company"
   • synonyms: organise, organize
2. to compose or represen
   • "This wall forms the background of the stage setting"; "The branches made a roof"; "This makes a fine introduction"
   • synonyms: constitute, make
3. develop into a distinctive entity
   • "our plans began to take shape"
   • synonyms: spring, take form, take shape
4. give shape or form to
   • "shape the dough"; "form the young child's character"
   • synonyms: shape
5. make something, usually for a specific function
   • "She molded the rice balls carefully"; "Form cylinders from the dough"; "shape a figure"; "Work the metal into a sword"
   • synonyms: forge, mold, mould, shape, work
6. establish or impress firmly in the mind
   • "We imprint our ideas onto our children"
   • synonyms: imprint
7. assume a form or shape
   • "the water formed little beads"