Definition of "formation" in English

noun

1. The act of assembling a group or structure. [from 14th c.]

   • Some cloud formation was confirmed and rainfall was observed over some islands.

2. Something possessing structure or form. [from 17th c.]

3. The process during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics. [from 18th c.]

4. (military) A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc. [from 18th c.]

5. (geology) A layer of rock of common origin. [from 19th c.]

6. (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".

7. (sports) An arrangement of players designed to facilitate certain plays.

8. The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.

9. (category theory) A structure made of two categories, two functors from the first to the second category, and a transformation from one of the functors to the other.