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[fawr-myuh-luh] /ˈfɔr myə lə/

noun, plural formulas, formulae
[fawr-myuh-lee] /ˈfɔr myəˌli/ (Show IPA)
1.
a set form of words, as for stating or declaring something definitely or authoritatively, for indicating procedure to be followed, or for prescribed use on some ceremonial occasion.
2.
any fixed or conventional method for doing something:
His mystery stories were written according to a popular formula.
3.
Mathematics.

4.
Chemistry. an expression of the constituents of a compound by symbols and figures.
Compare , , .
5.
a recipe or prescription:
a new formula for currant wine.
6.
a special nutritive mixture, especially of milk, sugar, and water, in prescribed proportions for feeding a baby.
7.
a formal statement of religious doctrine.
8.
(initial capital letter) a set of specifications as to weight, engine displacement, fuel capacity, etc., for defining a class of racing cars (usually followed by a limiting numerical designation):
Some races are open to Formula One cars.
/ˈfɔːmjʊlə/
noun (pl) -las, -lae (-ˌliː)
1.
an established form or set of words, as used in religious ceremonies, legal proceedings, etc
2.
(maths, physics) a general relationship, principle, or rule stated, often as an equation, in the form of symbols
3.
(chem) a representation of molecules, radicals, ions, etc, expressed in the symbols of the atoms of their constituent elements See molecular formula, empirical formula, structural formula
4.

5.

6.
(motor racing) the specific category in which a particular type of car competes, judged according to engine size, weight, and fuel capacity

plural of formula.
n.

1630s, “words used in a ceremony or ritual,” from Latin formula “form, draft, contract, regulation; rule, method, formula,” literally “small form,” diminutive of forma “form” (see form (n.)).

Modern sense is colored by Carlyle’s use (1837) of the word for “rule slavishly followed without understanding” [OED].

Men who try to speak what they believe, are naked men fighting men quilted sevenfold in formulae. [Charles Kingsley, “Letters,” 1861]

Mathematical use is from 1796; use in chemistry is from c.1846.

formula for·mu·la (fôr’myə-lə)
n. pl. for·mu·las or for·mu·lae (-lē’)

formula
(fôr’myə-lə)
Plural formulas or formulae (fôr’myə-lē’)