For*ma"tion (f&obreve;r*mā"shŭn), n. [L. formatio: cf. F. formation.]
1. The act of giving form or shape to anything; a forming; a shaping.
Beattie.
2. The manner in which a thing
is formed; structure; construction; conformation; form; as, the peculiar formation
of the heart.
3. A substance formed or deposited.
4. (Geol.) (a)
Mineral deposits and rock masses designated with reference to their origin; as, the siliceous formation about geysers;
alluvial formations; marine formations. (b) A group of beds of the same age or period; as, the Eocene formation.
5.
(Mil.) The arrangement of a body of troops,
as in a square, column, etc.
Farrow.
Hear it pronounced