For-mā'tion, n.
n. [Lat. formatio, Fr. formation, Pr. formatio, Sp. formacion, It. formazione.]
Sense 1. The act of giving form or shape to; the act of giving being to.
Sense 2. The manner in which a thing is formed; structure; construction.
Sense 3. (Geol.) The series of rocks belonging to an age, period, or epoch; as, the Silurian formation. It may include many strata. Dana.
Sense 4. (Mil.) An arrangement of troops, as in a square, column, &c.