Definition

1. Noun:

   • A book or list of formulas: Specifically, a collection of established forms or procedures, especially in religious or legal contexts.
   • A collection of medicinal formulas: In pharmacology, a book containing a compilation of pharmaceutical products with their formulas and methods of preparation.

2. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to a formula: Pertaining to, set, or prescribed by a formula.
   • Rigidly following a set form or procedure: Characterized by adherence to fixed forms or methods.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The hospital's formulary lists all approved medications and their standard dosages.
  • The ancient formulary contained rituals for various ceremonies.

• Adjective:

  • The process was highly formulary, leaving no room for individual discretion.
  • They followed a formulary approach to solving the engineering problem.

Advanced Usage

• "To be included in the formulary": To be officially listed as an approved item, especially a drug.

  • The new antibiotic was added to the national formulary.

• "Formulary system": A structured method for controlling which drugs are available for prescription, typically used by insurance companies or healthcare institutions.

  • The insurance plan's restrictive formulary system limited the doctor's options.

Variants and Related Words

• Formula (n): A fixed form of words for use in a ceremony or procedure; a mathematical relationship or rule.
• Formulate (v): To create or devise a method, plan, or formula.
• Formulation (n): The action of creating or preparing something according to a formula; a particular preparation of a substance.

Synonyms

• Noun: Compendium, pharmacopeia, list, catalog.
• Adjective: Prescribed, standard, conventional, ritualistic.

Related Phrases

• Closed formulary: A restrictive list of medications that are approved for prescription and coverage.

  • The health maintenance organization uses a closed formulary.

• Open formulary: A more flexible list that may cover a wider range of medications, sometimes with special conditions.

  • The new policy features an open formulary with tiered copayments.

Related Idioms

• "To be by the formulary": To act in a strictly prescribed, unoriginal manner.
  • His response was entirely by the formulary and lacked any personal insight.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or of the nature of a formula

Noun

1. (pharmacology) a book containing a compilation of pharmaceutical products with their formulas and methods of preparation
   • postexposure prophylaxis is an integral part of the pharmacopeia in preventing severe disease after acute infections