formula

Where does the word "formula" come from? It comes from Latin forma, passing through Latin before entering English (1630s).

Formula’s story begins in Latin: forma meant “shape, mold.” The root of 'form', 'formal' and 'uniform'. Within Latin, it grew into formula by ancient. A small form, a fixed rule or pattern, diminutive of forma. It reached English by 1630s as formula. Settled as the English word for a fixed set of symbols or a set method. Today, formula means a mathematical rule expressed in symbols, or a fixed method for achieving something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient forma "shape, mold", the root of 'form', 'formal' and 'uniform'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient formula "a small form, a fixed rule or pattern", a small form, a fixed rule or pattern, diminutive of forma.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1630s formula "a fixed set of symbols expressing a rule, or a set method", settled as the English word for a fixed set of symbols or a set method.