form
FORM, n. L. forma.
1. The shape or external appearance of a body; the figure, as defined by lines and angles; that manner of being peculiar to each body, which exhibits it to the eye as distinct from every other body. Thus we speak of the form of a circle, the form of a square or triangle, a circular form, the form of the head or of the human body, a handsome form, an ugly form, a frightful form.
Matter is the basis or substratum of bodies, form is the particular disposition of matter in each body which distinguishes its appearance from that of every other body.
The form of his visage was changed. Dan. 3.
After that he appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked. Mark 16.
2. Manner of arranging particulars; disposition of particular things; as a form of words or expressions.
3. Model; draught; pattern.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me. 2Tim. 1.
4. Beauty; elegance; splendor; dignity.
He hath no form nor comeliness. Isa. 53.
5. Regularity; method; order. This is a rough draught to be reduced to form.
6. External appearance without the essential qualities; empty show.
7. Stated method; established practice; ritual or prescribed mode; as the forms of public worship; the forms of judicial proceeding; forms of civility.
8. Ceremony; as, it is a mere matter of form.
9. Determinate shape.
The earth was without form, and void. Gen. 1.
formative
FORMATIVE, a.
1. Giving form; having the power of giving form; plastic.
The meanest plant cannot be raised without seeds, by any formative power residing in the soil.
2. In grammar, serving to form; derivative; not radical; as a termination merely formative.
formed
FORMED, pp. Made; shaped; molded; planned; arranged; combined; enacted; constituted.
formful
FORMFUL, a. Ready to form; creative; imaginative.