(1):
(n.) That which serves merely to give form, and is no part of the radical, as the prefix or the termination of a word.
(2):
(n.) A word formed in accordance with some rule or usage, as from a root.
(3):
(a.) Capable of growth and development; germinal; as, living or formative matter.
(4):
(a.) Serving to form; derivative; not radical; as, a termination merely formative.
(5):
(a.) Giving form; having the power of giving form; plastic; as, the formative arts.