# formula

Pronunciation: US say "FOR-myuh-luh" /ˈfɔɹ.mjə.lə/; UK say "FAW-myuh-luh" /ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/

## Noun

1. A plan or method for dealing with a problem or reaching a desired result.
   - Simple: A set way of doing something that works well and can be repeated to get results.
   - _The coach relied on a simple formula: train hard, rest well, repeat._
   - _Politicians keep searching for a formula to balance growth and fairness._
2. A mathematical rule or relationship expressed symbolically, using letters and signs rather than ordinary words.
   - Simple: A math rule written with signs and letters instead of words.
   - _The quadratic formula gives the roots of any second-degree equation._
   - _Physicists combine several formulas to predict the rocket's trajectory._
3. A prescribed set of ingredients in fixed quantities, or the mixture or solution prepared by combining them.
   - Simple: A set list of ingredients, and the mixture made by combining them in a fixed way.
   - _The chemist adjusted the formula to make the cream less greasy._
   - _Each soda brand guards its formula closely._
4. A symbolic expression showing the elements and proportions that make up a chemical compound.
   - Simple: A way of writing what a chemical is made of, using letters and numbers.
   - _The formula for glucose tells chemists how many carbon and oxygen atoms it contains._
   - _Students memorized the formula for each common acid._
5. Ellipsis of infant formula. — Ellipsis of infant formula, drink given to babies to substitute for mother's milk.
   - Simple: Short form of infant formula. It is the milk-like drink fed to babies instead of breast milk.
   - _The hospital sent us home with samples of formula._
   - _He mixed the formula with warm water before each feeding._
6. A fixed phrase or set of words used by convention or to express an attitude, meant to be understood non-literally rather than word for word.
   - Simple: A set phrase people say from habit or politeness, not meaning it word for word.
   - _Diplomatic apologies often rely on a worn formula that signals regret without admitting any fault._
   - _The wedding ceremony closed with the familiar formula that bound the couple together._
7. A formal, fixed statement that sets out a point of religious doctrine in authorized words.
   - Simple: A set of words that states a religious belief in a fixed, official way.
   - _The council adopted a new formula to define the nature of the Trinity._
   - _Converts affirmed the ancient formula before the congregation._
8. A symbolic expression of a proposition, built from variables, quantifiers, logical connectives, and relation or operation symbols.
   - Simple: In logic, a line of symbols that states something which can be true or false.
   - _A well-formed formula must obey the syntax rules of the logical system._
   - _The prover reduced each formula to a simpler equivalent._

## Origin

A learned borrowing from Latin fōrmula, meaning a small pattern or mold, a rule, principle, or method. It is the diminutive of forma ('a form').

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/formula (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).