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formula

n.
US //ˈfɔɹmjəɫə// UK //fˈɔːmjʊlɐ// for·mu·la
  1. 1 math/science rule (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic Math

    a set of letters or numbers that state a mathematical or scientific rule.

    a mathematical rule or relationship expressed in symbols.

    Example

    The teacher asked the students to memorise the formula for the area of a circle.

    Example

    The physicist derived a new formula to describe the relationship between pressure and temperature in a vacuum.

    Usage

    Countable in most contexts; often takes the plural 'formulae' in technical writing.
  2. 2 method for success (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a plan or method used to deal with a problem or to be successful.

    a conventionalised method or set of steps for achieving a specific outcome or solving a problem.

    Example

    The company found a winning formula for selling products to younger customers.

    Example

    Political analysts argue that the candidate's formula for victory relied heavily on mobilising rural voters through local town halls.
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  1. 3 chemical composition (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a list of the chemicals or substances that make up a mixture.

    a symbolic representation of the chemical composition of a substance or the specific ingredients of a mixture.

    Example

    The chemical formula for water is H2O.

    Example

    The laboratory spent months refining the formula for the new adhesive to ensure it remained flexible at low temperatures.
  2. 4 baby milk (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a special liquid food for babies that is used instead of mother's milk.

    a manufactured food designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age.

    Example

    She decided to feed her baby formula because she had to return to work.

    Example

    The paediatrician recommended a soy-based formula for the infant due to a suspected dairy allergy.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable when referring to the substance in general.
  3. 5 fixed phrase (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Academic

    a set of words that people use in certain situations because it is the custom.

    a fixed form of words used in particular contexts, such as legal, religious, or social ceremonies.

    Example

    The wedding ceremony followed a traditional formula that has been used for centuries.

    Example

    The diplomat relied on a polite formula to decline the invitation without causing any international offence.

    Teacher's tip

    In linguistics, this refers to 'formulaic language'—chunks of words that speakers use as a single unit.
Origin

Learned borrowing from Latin fōrmula (“a small pattern or mold, form, rule, principle, method, formula”), diminutive of forma (“a form”). See form.

Word family

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