/ fɔːˈmeɪʃn; NAmE fɔːrˈm-/ noun
1.
[ U ] the action of forming sth; the process of being formed :
the formation of a new government
evidence of recent star formation in the galaxy
2.
[ C ] a thing that has been formed, especially in a particular place or in a particular way :
rock formations
3.
[ U , C ] a particular arrangement or pattern :
aircraft flying in formation
formation flying
The team usually plays in a 4-4-2 formation.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin formatio(n-) , from formare to form, based on Latin forma a mould or form.