Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Formulate \For"mu*late\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Formulated}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Formulating}.]
   To reduce to, or express in, a formula; to put in a clear and
   definite form of statement or expression. --G. P. Marsh.

Source : WordNet®

formulate
     v 1: elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses; "Could you develop
          the ideas in your thesis" [syn: {explicate}, {develop}]
     2: come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or
        priciple) after a mental effort; "excogitate a way to
        measure the speed of light" [syn: {invent}, {contrive}, {devise},
         {excogitate}, {forge}]
     3: put into words or an expression; "He formulated his concerns
        to the board of trustees" [syn: {give voice}, {word}, {phrase},
         {articulate}]
     4: prepare according to a formula