Formes

/fɔrmz/ noun

Definition

Plural of forme: in printing, the assembled type and blocks in a chase, ready for printing; also a variant spelling of 'forms.'

Etymology

From Old French 'forme,' from Latin 'forma' (shape, form). In printing terminology, 'forme' is the technical term for the complete assembled printing surface.

Kelly Says

Before digital printing, a 'forme' was a printer's masterpiece—individual letters (called 'type') were arranged backwards into a frame and inked, then pressed onto paper to create backwards-reading first prints.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.