n.

1. the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something;
   word form, signifier, descriptor
   
   • the inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached
2. a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality;
   kind, sort, variety
   
   • sculpture is a form of art
   • what kinds of desserts are there?
3. a perceptual structure;
   shape, pattern
   
   • the composition presents problems for students of musical form
   • a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
4. any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
   shape, configuration, contour, conformation
   
   • he could barely make out their shapes
5. alternative names for the body of a human being;
   human body, physical body, material body, soma, build, figure, physique, anatomy, shape, bod, chassis, frame, flesh
   
   • Leonardo studied the human body
   • he has a strong physique
   • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
6. the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance;
   shape
   
   • geometry is the mathematical science of shape
7. the visual appearance of something or someone;
   shape, cast
   
   • the delicate cast of his features
8. (physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary;
   phase
   
   • the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system
9. a printed document with spaces in which to write
   
   • he filled out his tax form
10. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups;
    variant, strain, var.
    
    • a new strain of microorganisms
11. an arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse
    
    • the essay was in the form of a dialogue
    • he first sketches the plot in outline form
12. a particular mode in which something is manifested
    
    • his resentment took the form of extreme hostility
13. a body of students who are taught together;
    class, grade
    
    • early morning classes are always sleepy
14. an ability to perform well
    
    • he was at the top of his form
    • the team was off form last night
15. a life-size dummy used to display clothes;
    mannequin, manikin, mannikin, manakin
16. a mold for setting concrete
    
    • they built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation

v.

1. to compose or represent:"This wall forms the background of the stage setting";
   constitute, make
   
   • The branches made a roof
   • This makes a fine introduction
2. create (as an entity);
   organize, organise
   
   • social groups form everywhere
   • They formed a company
3. develop into a distinctive entity;
   take form, take shape, spring
   
   • our plans began to take shape
4. give shape or form to;
   shape
   
   • shape the dough
   • form the young child's character
5. make something, usually for a specific function;
   shape, work, mold, mould, forge
   
   • She molded the rice balls carefully
   • Form cylinders from the dough
   • shape a figure
   • Work the metal into a sword
6. establish or impress firmly in the mind;
   imprint
   
   • We imprint our ideas onto our children
7. assume a form or shape
   
   • the water formed little beads