form element (form element)

Anything that enters into the structure or composition of something else, giving it a recognizable form or constitution. Thus, the corpuscles of the blood are form - elements of that fluid; a cell is a form element of any ti ue; an ultimate fibril of muscle is a form - element of flesh. [ form - ic + -ene .] for me net (for men), n. Methane, or marsh-gas. former1 (former), a. and n. [Mod. E., with compar. suffix -er, He was euer in the former fronte, and hilde Cal i bourne in his right honde, and smote on the right side and on the lifte. Merlin (E. E. T. S.), iii. 551. Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign Two mighty eagles fell; and there they perch'd. Shak ., J. C., v. 1. 2. Being or happening before in time; preceding another or something else in order of time; prior. He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and for mer rain unto the earth. Hos. vi. 3. Pope , To Mrs. M. B. 'Tis but the Fun'ral of the former year. At what former period, under what former administration, did public officers of the United States thus interfere in elections? D. Webster, Speech, Oct. 12, 1832. 3. Past; especially, long past; ancient. Enquire, I pray thee, of the former age. Job viii. 8. After-Ages can know nothing of former Times but what is recorded by writing. Baker , Chronicles, p. 1. 4. Preceding or going before in a series; an- tecedent in order of thought, of action, etc.: specifically applied to the antecedent one of two things, or of two parts or divisions of any- thing. Then speak again; not all thy former tale, But this one word. Shak., K. John, iii. 1. IMG:content-1715.png:[blocks in formation] Former adjudication. See adjudication. =Syn. 2. Prior, anterior, See previous. 3. Bygone. II. n. A predece or. Davies .