noun
formation
for-MAY-shun/fɔːrˈmeɪʃn/
The shaping and organization of parts into a whole.
The geese fly in a V formation above the lake.
Etymology
Formation names the act of giving something shape, but it also came to mean what that act produces. This connects the process of forming with a resulting structure or arranged group.
In context
phase of the Big Bang in which things were starting to cool down and atoms were starting to smash into each other nucleus was were formed you start having Atomic formation
More examples
- Heat and pressure contribute to the formation of rock.
- The dancers practice several formations for the final scene.
- The formation of a neighborhood group gives residents a stronger voice.
Forms
formation · formations
form verb — To shape or organize into a whole.
Similar words
- arrangement
- Arrangement emphasizes how existing parts are positioned relative to others.
- creation
- Creation emphasizes bringing something new into existence, rather than arranging.
- organization
- Organization emphasizes ordering parts to function together as a system.