for‧mu‧la S3 W3 AC / fɔmjələ, fɔmjʊlə $ fɔr- / 名词 ( 复数形式 formulas or formulae / -li / )

1 [单数形式] a method or set of principles that you use to solve a problem or to make sure that something is successful :

We’re still searching for a peace formula.

formula for

a formula for the withdrawal of US forces from the area

There is no magic formula (= a method that is certain to be successful ) that will transform sorrow into happiness.

With viewing figures up a million, the programme has a winning formula .

2 [可数名词] a series of numbers or letters that represent a mathematical or scientific rule :

the formula for calculating distance

Sugar is represented by the simple formula CHO.

3 [可数名词] a list of the substances used to make a medicine, fuel , drink etc, showing the amounts of each substance that should be used :

Our products are handmade from traditional formulas.

4 Formula One/Two/Three etc a type of car racing, in which the different types are based on the size of the cars’ engines :

a Formula One car

5 [不可数名词] a type of liquid food for babies that is similar to a woman’s breast milk

6 [可数名词] a fixed and familiar series of words that seems meaningless or insincere :

a speech full of the usual formulas and clichés

THESAURUS

system an organized set of ideas, methods, actions etc that you use to do something : the airport security system | the system for dealing with refugees

process a series of actions that are done in order to achieve a particular result : the process of teaching children to read | Repeat the same process, until all the sugar has dissolved.

procedure the official or usually agreed way of doing something : You must follow the normal complaints procedure. | Large companies have a standard procedure for informing new employees about conditions of work.

formula a method or set of principles that you use to solve a problem or make sure that something is successful : The team are hoping to use the same winning formula that they used last season. | There is no magic formula for success (= a method that is certain to succeed ) .