Webster's English Dictionary

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formative

1. for.ma.tive \'fo.r-m*t-iv\ aj 1a: giving or capable of giving form : 
   CONSTRUCTIVE {a ~ i nfluence} of an affix or other word element  1b: used 
   in word formation or inflection  2: capable of alteration by growth and 
   development; also : produci ng new cells and tissues 3: of, relating to, or 
   characterized by formative effects or formation { ~ years} - for.ma.tive.ly 
   av
2. formative n : the element in a word that serves to give the word 
   appropriate form and  is not part of the base