the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something; the inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached
[ Syn: word form , signifier , descriptor ]
an arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse; the essay was in the form of a dialogue; he first sketches the plot in outline form'
a particular mode in which something is manifested; his resentment took the form of extreme hostility'
(physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary; the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system
[ Syn: phase ]
a body of students who are taught together; early morning classes are always sleepy
an ability to perform well; he was at the top of his form; the team was off form last night'
a life-size dummy used to display clothes
a mold for setting concrete; they built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation'
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality; sculpture is a form of art; what kinds of desserts are there?
a perceptual structure; the composition presents problems for students of musical form; a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline); he could barely make out their shapes
[ Syn: shape , configuration , contour , conformation ]
alternative names for the body of a human being; Leonardo studied the human body; he has a strong physique; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
[ Syn: human body , physical body , material body , soma , build , figure , physique , anatomy , shape , bod , chassis , frame , flesh ]
the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance; geometry is the mathematical science of shape
[ Syn: shape ]
the visual appearance of something or someone; the delicate cast of his features
a printed document with spaces in which to write; he filled out his tax form'
(biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups; a new strain of microorganisms
form (n.)
create (as an entity); social groups form everywhere; They formed a company
to compose or represent:This wall forms the background of the stage setting; The branches made a roof; This makes a fine introduction
[ Syn: constitute , make ]
develop into a distinctive entity; our plans began to take shape
[ Syn: take form , take shape , spring ]
give shape or form to; shape the dough; form the young childs character
[ Syn: shape ]
make something, usually for a specific function; She molded the rice balls carefully; Form cylinders from the dough; shape a figure; Work the metal into a sword
establish or impress firmly in the mind; We imprint our ideas onto our children
[ Syn: imprint ]
assume a form or shape; the water formed little beads'