n (Logic) an uninterpreted symbolic system whose syntax is precisely defined, and on which a relation of deducibility is defined in purely syntactic terms; a logistic system, (Also called) formal theory, formal calculus Compare â formal language. 1  English Collins Dictionary - English Definition & Thesaurus.
ASM metadata is stored in disk groups â in metadata blocks. Some ASM metadata is at the fixed position in every ASM disk, and is referred to as physically addressed metadata. Other ASM metadata is organised in files (directories) and is referred to as virtually addressed metadata.
Files that are stored in ASM disk groups are called ASM files. Each ASM file is contained within a single ASM disk group. Oracle Database communicates with ASM in terms of files. This is identical to the way Oracle Database uses files on any file system.