Found 2 items, similar to formative.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: formative formative n : minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function formative adj 1: relating to or characterized by formative effects or formation; “the formative arts” 2: susceptible to alteration by development and experience; “formative years” 3: beginning to develop; “inchoative stages” [syn: inchoative] 4: capable of forming new cells and tissues; “a formative zone in developing bone” 5: forming or capable of forming or molding; “a formative influence”; “a formative experience” [syn: shaping]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Formative Formative \Form"a*tive\, a. [Cf. F. formatif.] 1. Giving form; having the power of giving form; plastic; as, the formative arts. [1913 Webster] The meanest plant can not be raised without seed, by any formative residing in the soil. --Bentley. [1913 Webster] 2. (Gram.) Serving to form; derivative; not radical; as, a termination merely formative. [1913 Webster] 3. (Biol.) Capable of growth and development; germinal; as, living or formative matter. [1913 Webster] Formative \Form"a*tive\, n. (Gram.) (a) That which serves merely to give form, and is no part of the radical, as the prefix or the termination of a word. (b) A word formed in accordance with some rule or usage, as from a root. [1913 Webster]