English to English

noun (n)

• the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented(noun.cognition)

  Antonym:
  imitation
  

  source: wordnet30
• (philosophy) the philosophical theory that formal (logical or mathematical) statements have no meaning but that its symbols (regarded as physical entities) exhibit a form that has useful applications(noun.cognition)

  source: wordnet30
• the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms(noun.act)

  source: wordnet30
• The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion.(noun)

  source: webster1913