Contents
English
Etymology
< French formation < Latin formatio < formare (“‘to form’”); see form as verb.
Pronunciation
-
- Rhymes: -eɪʃǝn
Noun
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Singular formation |
Plural formations |
formation (plural formations)
- Something possessing structure or form.
- The act of assembling a group or structure.
- (geology) A rock or face of a mountain.
- (military) A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc.
- (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
- The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.
Related terms
Synonyms
- (military grouping of units): battle group, brigade group, task force, combat team
- (military arrangement of forces): tactical formation, battle formation
External links
- formation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- formation in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
French
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin formatio.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /fɔʁmasjɔ̃/
Noun
formation f. (plural formations)
- formation, forming, development
- education; training
- Je suis gynécologue de formation. I'm a trainee gynaecologist.
- training course
- (military) formation
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