n.
1.the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented
2.(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
3.the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms
Idiom of the Day
turn (something) on its ear
to change some activity in a surprising and exciting way
The new manager turned the office on its ear when he began to work in our department.