For*ma"tion (f&obreve;r*mā"shŭn), n. [L. formatio: cf. F. formation.] 1. The act of giving form or shape to anything; a forming; a shaping. Beattie.

2. The manner in which a thing is formed; structure; construction; conformation; form; as, the peculiar formation of the heart.

3. A substance formed or deposited.

4. (Geol.) (a) Mineral deposits and rock masses designated with reference to their origin; as, the siliceous formation about geysers; alluvial formations; marine formations. (b) A group of beds of the same age or period; as, the Eocene formation.

5. (Mil.) The arrangement of a body of troops, as in a square, column, etc. Farrow.

• Something possessing structure or form.
  
• The act of assembling a group or structure.
  
• (Geology): Rock or face of a mountain.
  
• The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.