1.minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function
2.relating to or characterized by formative effects or formation;
the formative arts
3.susceptible to alteration by development and experience;
formative years
4.beginning to develop;
inchoative stages
5.capable of forming new cells and tissues;
a formative zone in developing bone
6.forming or capable of forming or molding;
a formative influence