Formula
/ˈfɔːr.mjə.lə/noun
A fixed set form, rule, or expression used in science, math, law, or language.
Did you know?In Latin, formula was literally a diminutive of forma, so the word began as a “small form” before evolving into a set pattern, rule, or prescribed wording.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
formula
“a little form; a set pattern or prescribed form”
Classical Latin
Latin
forma
“shape, form, figure, pattern”
Proto-Italic
PI
*formā
“shape, form”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰer-
“to hold, support; to keep firm”
Late Latin
Latin
formula
“a prescribed legal form or rule”
16th Century
English
formula
“a set form of words or a prescribed method”