Form

Form is a general term referring to the shape, structure, or configuration of something. It can denote the outward appearance of a material object as well as more abstract patterns of organization.

In philosophy, form and matter are used to explain how physical things acquire their organization. In Aristotle's hylomorphism, matter supplies potential while form provides actuality. In Platonism, Form (Idea) denotes eternal, perfect exemplars.

In art and design, form refers to the visible shape and volume as well as the way elements are arranged.

In biology, form (morphology) describes external structure, often used in contrast with function. Form can be adaptive, sexually dimorphic, or developmental.

In linguistics and grammar, form describes the morphological shape of words, including inflection, tense, mood, and voice.

In mathematics, form denotes the arrangement of symbols, as in canonical forms, quadratic forms, or linear forms.

In computing, a form is a user interface element for data collection; HTML forms present input fields, labels, and submission mechanisms, with data validation and processing rules.

In music, formal structure refers to the organization of musical ideas into forms such as binary, ternary, sonata, or rondo.

In architecture, form is the external shape and massing of a building; the idea that form follows function has guided modern design.