1. (

• shaping ,
• defining

) any process serving to define the shape of something ;

2. (

• formation ,
• shaping

) the act of fabricating something in a particular shape ;

1. (

• determine ,
• shape ,
• mold ,
• influence ,
• regulate

) shape or influence; give direction to; "experience often determines ability"; "mold public opinion" ;

2. (

• shape ,
• form ,
• work ,
• mold ,
• mould ,
• forge ,

) make something, usually for a specific function; "She molded the rice balls carefully"; "Form cylinders from the dough"; "shape a figure"; "Work the metal into a sword" ;

3. (

• shape ,
• form ,

) give shape or form to; "shape the dough"; "form the young child's character" ;

1. (

• formative ,
• shaping ,
• plastic

) forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning; "a formative influence"; "a formative experience"; "the plastic forces of nature" ;