General term for the outward shape or visible aspect of something. Often used in descriptive or analytical contexts.
form (Aristotelian); eidos
Technical term in Aristotelian philosophy, contrasting with 質料 (matter). Rare outside academic contexts.
See also: 質料
The sculpture abstractly represents the human form.
Aristotle considered being as divided into form and matter.
formal cause
Compound of 形 (shape, form) and 相 (aspect, appearance). The philosophical sense is a direct translation of the Greek eidos, adopted in Japanese Aristotelian studies.