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noun B1 Intermediate Common

formula

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Formula (noun) means a rule in mathematics that is written using symbols rather than words. Example: “The teacher wrote the formula for the area of a circle on the board.”

noun
1
A rule in mathematics that is written using symbols rather than words.
"The teacher wrote the formula for the area of a circle on the board."
"You can use this formula to work out the speed of a moving car."
"I forgot the formula, so I could not finish the maths question."
2
A set of symbols showing which atoms make up a chemical compound and how they are arranged.
"H₂O is the formula for water."
"The chemical formula for water shows two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."
"In chemistry class, we learned to write the formula of table salt."
"The scientist checked the formula to see how the atoms were joined together."
3
A set method for solving a problem or achieving something.
"The company's winning formula includes excellent service and quality products."
"There is no magic formula for becoming good at a new language."
"The coach has a simple formula for winning close matches, and it works."
"Their formula for a happy marriage is patience and plenty of laughter."
4
A mixture made by following a fixed recipe, including the exact amounts of each ingredient it contains.
"The formula of the rocket fuel has not been revealed."
"The chef would not share the secret formula for his famous sauce."
"This cleaning spray uses a gentle formula that is safe for wooden floors."
"The baby's milk formula must be mixed in exactly the right amounts."
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The teacher wrote the _____ for the area of a circle on the board.

Etymology

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

Related words

Rhymes for formula

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of formula?
"formula" (noun) means a rule in mathematics that is written using symbols rather than words.
What is another word for formula?
Other words for "formula" include pattern, rule, recipe, normal, expression, convention.
What are the different meanings of formula?
"formula" has 3 main meanings: 1. A rule in mathematics that is written using symbols rather than words; 2. A set of symbols showing which atoms make up a chemical compound and how they are arranged; 3. A set method for solving a problem or achieving something.
How do you use formula in a sentence?
Example: "The teacher wrote the formula for the area of a circle on the board."

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