formation

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

< French formation < Latin formatio < formare (“‘to form’”); see form as verb.

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃǝn

[edit] Noun

formation (plural formations)

1. Something possessing structure or form.
2. The act of assembling a group or structure.
3. (geology) A rock or face of a mountain.
4. (military) A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc.
5. (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
6. The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.

[edit] Related terms

• form

[edit] Synonyms

• (military grouping of units): battle group, brigade group, task force, combat team
• (military arrangement of forces): tactical formation, battle formation

[edit] Translations

[edit] External links

• formation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• formation in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

[edit] French

[edit] Etymology

Borrowed from Latin formatio.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /fɔʁmasjɔ̃/

[edit] Noun

formation f. (plural formations)

1. formation, forming, development
2. training

   Je suis gynécologue de formation. I'm a gynaecologist by training.

3. training course
4. (military) formation