Formula
Formula , noun
[Latin, dim. of forma form, model. SeeForm, n.]
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.
(Ecclesiastical) A written confession of faith; a formal statement of doctrines.
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 formula 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.
Collocations (3)
Empirical formula (Chemistry) , an expression which gives the simple proportion of the constituents; as, the empirical formula of acetic acid is C2H4O2.
Graphic formula or Rational formula (Chemistry) , an expression of the constitution, and in a limited sense of the structure, of a compound, by the grouping of its atoms or radicals; as, a rational formula of acetic acid is CH3.(C:O).OH; -- called also structural formula, constitutional formula, etc. See also the formula of Benzene nucleus, under Benzene.
Molecular formula (Chemistry) , a formula indicating the supposed molecular constitution of a compound.