Pronunciation: [fˈɔːmz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "formes" can be confusing due to the silent "e" at the end. The IPA transcription for this word is /fɔrmz/, which indicates that the "s" is pronounced as a voiced consonant, similar to the "z" sound. The silent "e" indicates that the vowel in the word is a long "o" sound, as in "O" for example. This word is commonly used in the field of printing, referring to the plates used to print pages.
"Formes" is a plural noun that is derived from the French word "forme," meaning shape or form. In English, "formes" refers to a specific type or style of printing letterforms used in the early years of the printing press. It pertains to the individual metal or wooden pieces of type that were assembled or arranged in a specific order to compose words, sentences, and paragraphs for printing.
In the context of printing, "formes" can also be used to indicate a complete composition of type locked up in a chase and ready for printing. The arrangement of type in the formes is crucial to ensure clarity, legibility, and aesthetic appeal, as each character or letter must be correctly aligned and spaced.
Formes are a vital component of traditional letterpress printing, where ink is applied to the formes, and then a sheet of paper is pressed upon it to create a printed impression. These formes are carefully crafted, with each character being of the same height and the space between letters and words equally distributed.
With the advancement of technology, the usage of formes has largely diminished, being replaced by digital typesetting. However, they remain significant in preserving the traditional art of letterpress printing and are still utilized by some designers and printers who appreciate the craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty of this age-old technique.
The word "formes" does not have a specific etymology as it is a plural form of the word "forme". However, "forme" can have several origins depending on the context:
1. In French, "forme" derives from Latin "forma" meaning "shape", "appearance", or "figure".
2. In English, "forme" can refer to a type of printing press used in the 17th and 18th centuries. The word comes from the Old French "forme" meaning "bench" or "stall", which ultimately comes from Latin "forma" meaning "shape" or "figure".
It is important to note that "formes" is an inflected plural form of "forme", and its etymology would depend on the language and context in which it is used.
