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format

Syllabification: (for·mat)

Pronunciation: /ˈfôrˌmat/

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Definition of format

noun

the way in which something is arranged or set out:the format of the funeral service
the shape, size, and presentation of a book or periodical.
the medium in which a sound recording is made available:the album is available as a CD as well as on LP and cassette formats
Computing a defined structure for the processing, storage, or display of data:a data file in binary format

verb (formats, formatting, formatted)

[with object]

(especially in computing) arrange or put into a format.
prepare (a storage medium) to receive data.

Origin:

mid 19th century: via French and German from Latin formatus (liber) 'shaped (book)', past participle of formare 'to form'

Spelling rule

If a verb ends with a single vowel plus a consonant, and the stress is at the end of the word (as in refer), double the last letter when adding -ing or -ed: (formats, formatting, formatted).

format in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of format in the British & World English dictionary

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