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Definition of formation : 1. A group of beds of the same age or period; as, the Eocene formation.
2. A substance formed or deposited.
3. Mineral deposits and rock masses designated with reference to their origin; as, the siliceous formation about geysers; alluvial formations; marine formations.
4. The act of giving form or shape to anything; a forming; a shaping.
5. The arrangement of a body of troops, as in a square, column, etc.
6. The manner in which a thing is formed; structure; construction; conformation; form; as, the peculiar formation of the heart.

Synonyms:

system, synthesis, make-up, institution, genesis, brass, organization, makeup, organisation, deposit, distribution, form, classification, physical composition, geology, validation, deployment, organic law, grouping, categorization, induction, sequence, governing body, governance, fundamental law, order, dissolution, ecesis, lineup, geological formation, administration, structure, shaping, destruction, accumulation, disposal, defining

composition, constitution, compilation, combination, embodiment, invention, inclusion

collection, league, set, omnium-gatherum, stew, coalition, bloc, federation, salad, assemblage, society, complement, group, college, assortment, medley, body, partnership, council, bunch, corps, union, band, assembly, mix

establishment, conception, origination, formulation

development, generation, building, production, fabrication, creation, construction, manufacture, execution, making

configuration, style, ambience, circumstance, state, mode, post, environment, situation, location, spot, condition, placement, disposition, arrangement, property, position, scene, site, standing, quality, layout, station, aspect, modality, status

Usage examples:

• A re- formation had begun. - "A Prisoner in Fairyland", Algernon Blackwood.
• It is the formation and arrangement of these to which we now direct attention. - "Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative, Vol. I", Herbert Spencer.
• Most of Western Victoria's pretty well settled, and it's just the luck of the game and the formation of the country that this valley's remained so long hidden away. - "The Lost Valley", J. M. Walsh.