formula definition

1. In logic, a sequence of symbols representing terms, predicates, connectives and quantifiers which is either true or false.

2. <computer programming> FORTH Music Language. An extension of FORTH with concurrent note-playing processes. Runs on Macintosh and Atari ST with MIDI output.

["Formula: A Programming Language for Expressive Computer Music", D.P. Anderson et al Computer 24(7):12 (Jul 1991)].

3. Preprocessor language for the Acorn Archimedes, allowing inline high-level statements to be entered in an assembly program. Written in nawk.

(03 Feb 2009)

Origin: L, dim. Of forma form, model. SeeForm.

1. A prescribed or set form; an established rule; a fixed or conventional method in which anything is to be done, arranged, or said.

2. A written confession of faith; a formal statement of foctrines.

3. <mathematics> A rule or principle expressed in algebraic language; as, the binominal formula.

4. <medicine> A prescription or recipe for the preparation of a medicinal compound.

5. <chemistry> A symbolic expression (by means of letters, figures, etc) of the constituents or constitution of a compound.

Chemical formulae consist of the abbreviations of the names of the elements, with a small figure at the lower right hand, to denote the number of atoms of each element contained.

<chemistry> Empirical formula, a formula indicating the supposed molecular constitution of a compound.

(01 Mar 1998)