forme

Forme is a term that appears in several languages and contexts, generally related to the idea of form, shape, or structure. In French, forme means form or shape and is used widely in daily language as well as in scientific, artistic, and bureaucratic terms. The plural is formes. In Italian, the corresponding noun is forma; forme can occur in certain grammatical or borrowed uses, but forma is more common in English-language discussions of the concept.

In linguistics and philosophy, forme describes the external organization of a work or utterance. In aesthetics, la forme denotes the structure that organizes content, while in poetry or music the concept of form governs how a piece is constructed and interpreted. In broader cultural usage, forme can appear in discussions of appearance, condition, or manner, particularly in French-informed discourse on art and design.

In biology, the classical Latin taxonomic term forma denotes a minor, stable variant within a species or population; in French biological texts the equivalent term is forme. The rank forma is below varietas (variety) in botanical nomenclature and has limited use in zoological contexts. In practice, English texts most often use form or form of a organism, with forme appearing primarily in French- or Latin-influenced contexts.

Forme also surfaces as a surname of French origin and can be found in historical or contemporary records independent of its ordinary meanings.