formula in WordNet English dictionary

1. a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements
   formula  chemical formula 
   
2. something regarded as a normative example
   "the convention of not naming the main character"; "violence is the rule not the exception"; "his formula for impressing visitors"
   convention  normal  pattern  rule  formula 
   
3. a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
   formula  expression 
   
4. (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
   "he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs"; "he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"
   rule  formula 
   
5. a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle
   formula 
   
6. directions for making something
   recipe  formula 
   
7. a liquid food for infants
   formula