formation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The act of assembling a group or structure.

   “Some cloud formation was confirmed and rainfall was observed over some islands.”

2. (countable, uncountable)Something possessing structure or form.
3. (countable, uncountable)The process during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics.
4. (countable, uncountable)A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc.
5. (countable, uncountable)A layer of rock of common origin.

   “Over a broad region, the color of a formation may change.”

6. (countable, uncountable)An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
7. (countable, uncountable)An arrangement of players designed to facilitate certain plays.

   “N'Golo Kanté embodies both sides of this, a player whose early scratchiness was soothed with glorious results in the new 3-4-3 formation, allowed simply to be his best, most wonderfully mobile, diligent, destructive self.”

8. (countable, uncountable)The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.
9. (countable, uncountable)A structure made of two categories, two functors from the first to the second category, and a transformation from one of the functors to the other.