formation

noun9

1. •
   The act of assembling a group or structure.

   • Some cloud formation was confirmed and rainfall was observed over some islands. — 2019
2. •
   The process during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics.
3. •
   An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
4. •
   An arrangement of players designed to facilitate certain plays.
5. •
   Something possessing structure or form.
6. •
   A layer of rock of common origin.

   • Over a broad region, the color of a formation may change. — 2012
7. •
   A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc.
8. •
   The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.
9. •
   A structure made of two categories, two functors from the first to the second category, and a transformation from one of the functors to the other.