formation

1. The act of assembling a group or structure. [from 14th c.]Examples: "Some cloud formation was confirmed and rainfall was observed over some islands."countableuncountable

2. Something possessing structure or form. [from 17th c.]countableuncountable

3. The process during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics. [from 18th c.]countableuncountable

4. (military) A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc. [from 18th c.]countableuncountable

5. (geology) A layer of rock of common origin. [from 19th c.]Examples: "Over a broad region, the color of a formation may change."countableuncountable

6. (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".countableuncountable