minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function

An affix which unites a set of otherwise unrelated names. McDonald's McChicken and McNuggets are examples.

A general term for an abstract meaning unit. Like morphemes, formatives can be pronounced or silent, but they needn't be minimal meaning units.

Serving to form; derivative; not radical; as, a termination merely formative.

That which serves merely to give form, and is no part of the radical, as the prefix or the termination of a word.

Capable of growth and development; germinal; as, living or formative matter.

susceptible to alteration by development and experience; "formative years"

beginning to develop; "inchoative stages"

An assessment which is used for improvement (individual or program level) rather than for making final decisions or for accountability.

Research done to help create or improve a process or product. Contrasts with summative and process evaluation. Formative research is often qualitative, while summative research is usually quantitative.

Giving form; having the power of giving form; plastic; as, the formative arts.

relating to or characterized by formative effects or formation; "the formative arts"

A word formed in accordance with some rule or usage, as from a root.