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formula

/ˈfɔrmjələ/

/ˈfɔmjulə/

IPA guide

Other forms: formulas; formulae

A formula is generally a fixed pattern that is used to achieve consistent results. It might be made up of words, numbers, or ideas that work together to define a procedure to be followed for the desired outcome.

Formulas, the patterns we follow in life, are used everywhere. In math or science, a formula might express a numeric or chemical equation; in cooking, a recipe is a formula. Baby formula is made up of the nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy growth, and the right formula for a fuel mixture is critical for a racing car's best performance. Everyone has their favorite formula for success. J. Paul Getty once gave his as "rise early, work hard, strike oil."

Definitions of formula
  1. noun
    a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
    synonyms: expression
    see moresee less
    types:
    sentential function
    formal expression containing variables; becomes a sentence when variables are replaced by constants
    primitive
    a mathematical expression from which another expression is derived
    exponential expression
    a mathematical expression consisting of a constant (especially e) raised to some power
    type of:
    mathematical statement
    a statement of a mathematical relation
  2. noun
    a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements
    synonyms: chemical formula
    see moresee less
    types:
    molecular formula
    a chemical formula based on analysis and molecular weight
    empirical formula
    a chemical formula showing the ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms
    structural formula
    an expanded molecular formula showing the arrangement of atoms within the molecule
    type of:
    statement
    a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
  3. noun
    directions for making something
    synonyms: recipe
    see moresee less
    type of:
    direction, instruction
    a message describing how something is to be done
  4. noun
    something regarded as a normative example
    “his formula for impressing visitors”
    synonyms: convention, normal, pattern, rule
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 6 types...
    hide 6 types...
    mores
    (sociology) the conventions that embody the fundamental values of a group
    code of behavior, code of conduct
    a set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group
    universal
    a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings
    courtly love
    (Middle Ages) a highly conventionalized code of conduct for lovers
    knight errantry
    (Middle Ages) the code of conduct observed by a knight errant who is wandering in search of deeds of chivalry
    protocol
    code of correct conduct
    type of:
    practice
    knowledge of how something is usually done
  5. noun
    (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
    “he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials”
    synonyms: rule
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 7 types...
    hide 7 types...
    metarule
    a rule that describes how other rules should be used (as in AI)
    algorithm, algorithmic program, algorithmic rule
    a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem
    heuristic, heuristic program, heuristic rule
    a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
    recursion
    (mathematics) an expression such that each term is generated by repeating a particular mathematical operation
    sorting algorithm
    an algorithm for sorting a list
    stemmer, stemming algorithm
    an algorithm for removing inflectional and derivational endings in order to reduce word forms to a common stem
    lateral thinking
    a heuristic for solving problems; you try to look at the problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on
    type of:
    procedure, process
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
  6. noun
    a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle
    see moresee less
    type of:
    statement
    a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
  7. noun
    a liquid food for infants
    see moresee less
    type of:
    milk
    any of several nutritive milklike liquids
Pronunciation
US

/ˈfɔrmjələ/

UK

/ˈfɔmjulə/

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