shaping

Multiple Entries:
  shape    SHAPE  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
shape/ʃeɪp/

▶noun

• 1 the external form, outline, or contours of someone or something.

  ■ a specific form or guise assumed by someone or something: a fiend in human shape.

• 2 a geometric figure such as a rectangle.

  ■ a piece of material, paper, etc., made or cut in a particular form.

• 3 the correct or original form of something.

  ■ definite or orderly arrangement.

• 4 the condition or state of someone or something.

  ■ good physical condition.

  ■ the distinctive nature or qualities of something.

▶verb

• 1 give a particular shape to.

  ■ make (something) fit the form of something else.

• 2 determine the nature of.

• 3 (often shape up) develop in a particular way.

• 4 (shape up) become physically fit.

  ■ informal improve one's behaviour or performance.

• 5 form or produce (a sound or words).

– phrases
in the shape of by way of.
lick (or knock or whip) someone/thing into shape act forcefully to bring someone or something into a better state.
take shape develop into something definite.

– derivatives
shapable (also shapeable) adjective,
shaped adjective,
shaper noun.

– origin OE gesceap ‘external form’, also ‘creation’, sceppan ‘create’, of Gmc origin.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
SHAPE/ʃeɪp/

▶abbreviation Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.