<programming> (Or "parameter") A name in a function or
subroutine definition that is replaced by, or bound to, the
corresponding actual argument when the function or
subroutine is called. In many languages formal arguments
behave like local variables which get initialised on entry.
See: argument.
(2002-07-02)
Nearby terms:
FORM « FORMAC « FORMAL « formal argument » Formal Description Technique » formal methods » Formal Object Role Modeling Language