verb (used with object), for·mu·lat·ed, for·mu·lat·ing.
- to express in precise form; state definitely or systematically: He finds it extremely difficult to formulate his new theory.
- to devise or develop, as a method, system, etc.
- to reduce to or express in a formula.
verb (tr)
- to put into or express in systematic terms; express in or as if in a formula
- to devise
v.1860, “to express in a formula,” from formula + -ate. Related: Formulated; formulating.