The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word FORMATIVE
F
O
R
M
A
T
I
V
E
More clues leading to the result FORMATIVE
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FORMATIVE mean?
FORMATIVE noun- (grammar) A language unit that has morphological function.
- Of or pertaining to the formation and subsequent growth of something.
- Capable of forming something.
- Capable of producing new tissue.
- (grammar) Pertaining to the inflection of words.
- Denoting forms of assessment used to guide learning rather than to quantify educational outcomes.