formative

adj 1: relating to or characterized by formative effects or

formation; "the formative arts"

2: susceptible to alteration by development and experience;

"formative years"

3: beginning to develop; "inchoative stages" [syn: {inchoative}]

4: (biology) capable of forming new cells and tissues; "a

formative zone in developing bone"

5: forming or capable of forming or molding; "a formative

influence"; "a formative experience" [syn: {shaping}]

n : minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or

morphological) function