'Formative' definitions:

Definition of 'formative'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Capable of forming new cells and tissues; "a formative zone in developing bone"
adjective
Forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning; "a formative influence"; "a formative experience" [syn: formative, shaping, plastic]
noun
Minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function

Definition of 'Formative'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Definition of 'Formative'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Synonyms of 'formative'

From: Moby Thesaurus