1.  format(n = noun.communication) data format, data formatting, formatting - the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing);
is a kind of info, information
has particulars: high-level formatting, initialisation, initialization, low-level formatting
Derived forms verb format₃, verb format₂

2.  format(n = noun.attribute) - the general appearance of a publication;
is a kind of appearance, visual aspect
is a part of publication
Derived form verb format₁

1.  format(v = verb.creation) arrange - set (printed matter) into a specific format; "Format this letter so it can be printed out"
is one way to change
Derived forms noun format₂, noun formatting₁
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something

2.  format(v = verb.cognition) - determine the arrangement of (data) for storage and display (in computer science);
is one way to determine, set
Derived forms noun format₁, noun formatting₁
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something

3.  format(v = verb.change) initialise, initialize - divide (a disk) into marked sectors so that it may store data; "Please format this disk before entering data!"
is one way to carve up, dissever, divide, separate, split, split up
Derived forms noun format₁, noun formatting₁
Sample sentences: Something ----s

1.  The shape and size of a book or other printed publication; hence, its external form. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
"The older manuscripts had been written in a much larger format than that found convenient for university work." [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
"One might, indeed, protest that the format is a little too luxurious." [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

2.  the arrangement of the parts of a printed page, such as text and graphics; as, text flowing around an illustration provides a more pleasing format; multiple columns are a more common format for large pages. [PJC]

3.  The pattern of organization of information in an electronic storage medium, such as the number and size of records, or the size, spacing, or separation symbols for fields in a record. A computer file, for example, may be in fixed-length format, in which each field or record occupies the same number of bytes, or in variable-length format, in which the lengths of fields or records varies. The number of formats are unlimited, being specifiable at will by programmers or in some cases by the users of programs. [PJC]

4.  The general organization, form, or plan for anything, such as an organized social, political, or entertainment event. [PJC]

   to set into a specific format; -- of printed matter or data recorded on a data soorage medium. [WordNet 1.5]

format, n. & v.
--n.
1 the shape and size of a book, periodical, etc.
2 the style or manner of an arrangement or procedure.
3 Computing a defined structure for holding data etc. in a record for processing or storage.
--v.tr. (formatted, formatting)
1 arrange or put into a format.
2 Computing prepare (a storage medium) to receive data.

Etymology:
F f. G f. L formatus (liber) shaped (book), past part. of formare FORM

data format