formula

Universal Words 1 [C] (mathematics) a series of letters, numbers or symbols that represent a rule or law: The formula Pir is used to calculate the area of a circle. 2 [C] (chemistry) letters and symbols that show the parts of a chemical compound, etc: CO is the formula for carbon monoxide. 3 [C] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a particular method of doing or achieving sth: They're trying to work out a peace formula acceptable to both sides in the dispute. * There's no magic formula for a perfect marriage. * All the patients were interviewed according to a standard formula. 4 [C] a list of the things that sth is made from, giving the amount of each substance to use: the secret formula for the blending of the whisky 5 (also formula milk) [U,C] (especially AmE) a type of liquid food for babies, given instead of breast milk 6 (Formula One, Two, Three etc.) [U] a class of racing car, based on engine size, etc: Formula One racing 7 [C] a fixed form of words used in a particular situation: legal formulae * The minister keeps coming out with the same tired formulas.