For'mu·late transitive verb [ imperfect & past participle Formulated ; present participle & verbal noun Formulating .] To reduce to, or express in, a formula; to put in a clear and definite form of statement or expression. G. P. Marsh.... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/F/65
to express in precise form; state definitely or systematically: He finds it extremely difficult to formulate his new theory. · to devise or develop, as a method, system, etc. · to reduce to or express in a formula. Found on https://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/formulate