Formation

Formation may refer to:

Mathematics and science

Class formation, an axiomatization of class field theory in mathematics
Formation (group theory), a class of groups
Formation (stratigraphy), a formally named rock stratum or geological unit
Rock formation, a mass of bedrock displaying a curious or interesting shape - see List of rock formations
Cave formation, a speleothem
(Oxide) formation, anodization of a metal during manufacturing of electrolytic capacitors
In the study of ecosystems, a community formed by groups of plants which have adapted themselves to similar climatic conditions

Derivation (linguistics), the process of creating new lexemes from other lexemes
Back-formation, a word formed from an erroneous reconstruction an original linguistic form from a form mistakenly thought to be derived from it

Saṅkhāra, the Buddhist concept of "formations"
Formation (Catholic), the personal preparation that the Catholic Church offers to people with a defined mission, such as Jesuit formation, a program of spiritual and academic training

Formation (association football), tactical formation in association football
Formation (American football), a set-up before the snap in American football
Formation dance, dance routines performed in a group
Formation finish, a staged race finish where multiple vehicles of the same team cross the finish line in formation
Formation Skydiving

Offer and acceptance, an analysis of contract formation in law
Forming a coalition government, as performed by a formateur
Track formation, the earthworks supporting a railway track comprising the blanket and subgrade