formation

plural formations

1. countableuncountableThe act of assembling a group or structure.

   Some cloud formation was confirmed and rainfall was observed over some islands.

   2019, VOA Learning English (public domain)

2. countableuncountableSomething possessing structure or form.
3. countableuncountableThe process during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics.
4. countableuncountablegovernmentA grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc.
5. countableuncountablegeographyA layer of rock of common origin.

   Over a broad region, the color of a formation may change.

   2012, Chinle Miller, In Mesozoic Lands: The Mesozoic Geology of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Kindle edition

6. countableuncountablegovernmentAn arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
7. countableuncountablehobbiesAn arrangement of players designed to facilitate certain plays.

   N'Golo Kanté embodies both sides of this, a player whose early scratchiness was soothed with glorious results in the new 3-4-3 formation, allowed simply to be his best, most wonderfully mobile, diligent, destructive self.

   2017 May 13, Barney Ronay, “Antonio Conte’s brilliance has turned Chelsea’s pop-up team into champions”, in the Guardian

8. countableuncountableThe process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.
9. countableuncountablecategory theoryA structure made of two categories, two functors from the first to the second category, and a transformation from one of the functors to the other.