Formation may refer to:

Linguistics

  • Back-formation, the process of creating a new lexeme by removing or affixes
  • Word formation, the creation of a new word by adding affixes

Mathematics and science

  • Cave formation or speleothem, a secondary mineral deposit formed in a cave
  • Class formation, a topological group acting on a module satisfying certain conditions
  • Formation (group theory), a class of groups that is closed under some operations
  • Formation constant, an equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex in solution
  • Formation enthalpy, standard heat of formation of a compound
  • Formation (geology), a formally named rock stratum or geological unit
  • Formation of rocks, how rocks are formed
  • Formation and evolution of the Solar System, history of the Solar System
  • Rock formation, an isolated, scenic, or spectacular surface rock outcrop
  • Vegetation formation, a concept used to classify vegetation communities

Technology

  • Formation level, the native material underneath a constructed road, pavement or railway
  • Formation (Li-ion battery), a process step in the manufacture of Li-ion batteries necessary for long cell life<!-- where the Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) is formed, during the first one or several charge cycles of a new battery cell -->
  • Formation water, water that is produced as a byproduct during oil and gas production

Military

  • Formation flying, the disciplined flight of two or more aircraft under the command of a flight leader
  • Formation (military), a high-level military organization
  • Tactical formation, the arrangement or deployment of moving military forces
  • Formation, an element in order of battle as a formal assembly of military personnel usually to receive the course of actions (operation order) or get deployed to operations
  • Formation may be tactical or ceremonial

Music

  • Formation Records, a record label headed by DJ SS
  • "Formation" (song), a song by American singer Beyoncé on her 2016 album Lemonade
  • The Formation World Tour, concert tour by Beyoncé for her album Lemonade

Religion

  • Formations or saṅkhāra, an important Buddhist concept
  • Formation in the Catholic Church, the personal preparation that the Catholic Church offers to people with a defined mission

Sports

  • Formation (association football), how team players are positioned on the pitch
  • Formation (American football), the positions in which players line up before the start of a down
  • Formation (bandy), how the players are positioned on the rink
  • Formation dance, a style of ballroom dancing
  • Formation finish, a staged motor-race finish in which multiple vehicles of the same team cross the finish line together

Writing

  • Formation (book), a bildungsroman by Brad Mehldau

Other

  • Contract formation in law; an offer, acceptance, consideration, and a mutual intent to be bound
  • Formation 8, an American venture capital firm in San Francisco, California
  • Formation of a coalition government, led by a formateur
  • Government formation in a parliamentary system
  • Formations, imprint of Ohio State University Press

See also

  • 4mations, defunct video hosting website
  • Form (disambiguation)