WordWeb Online

1. Minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function

1. (biology) capable of forming new cells and tissues
   "a formative zone in developing bone"
    
2. Forming or capable of forming or moulding or fashioning
   "a formative influence";
   - shaping, plastic

Derived forms: formatives

See also: constructive

Type of: language unit, linguistic unit