configuration

[ kuhn-fig-yuh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the relative disposition or arrangement of the parts or elements of a thing.
2. external form, as resulting from this; conformation.
3. Astronomy.
   1. the relative position or aspect of heavenly bodies.
   2. a group of stars.
4. Chemistry. an atomic spatial arrangement that is fixed by the chemical bonding in a molecule and that cannot be altered without breaking bonds ( conformation ).
5. Computers.
   1. the way a computer or computer system is put together; a specific set and arrangement of internal and external components, including hardware, software, and devices.
   2. the way a software program or device is set up for a particular computer, computer system, or task; the specific settings for a program or device:

      configuration of your email program to work with your new ISP.

configuration

/ kənˌfɪɡjʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the arrangement of the parts of something
2. the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement
3. physics chem
   1. Also calledconformation the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms
   2. the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons
4. psychol the unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists
5. computing the particular choice of hardware items and their interconnection that make up a particular computer system

Derived Forms

• conˌfiguˈrationally, adverb
• conˌfiguˈrational, adjective

Other Words From

• con·figu·ration·al con·fig·u·ra·tive [k, uh, n-, fig, -yer-, uh, -tiv, -y, uh, -rey-tiv], adjective
• con·figu·ration·al·ly adverb
• precon·figu·ration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of configuration¹

1550–60; < Late Latin configūrātiōn- (stem of configūrātiō ), equivalent to Latin configūrāt ( us ) shaped like its model, past participle of configūrāre to mold, shape ( con- con- + figūr ( a ) figure + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of configuration¹

C16: from Late Latin configūrātiō a similar formation, from configūrāre to model on something, from figūrāre to shape, fashion

Example Sentences

Since the pliable phase has fewer possible configurations, it has less entropy.

From Quanta Magazine

The proof is much more than a readout of all the configurations of variables the computers checked.

From Quanta Magazine

For the beads, depending on the shape of the landscape, starting at a higher temperature meant they could more easily rearrange themselves into a configuration that matched a lower temperature.

From Science News

This particular configuration is indeed the easiest to discover in experiments.

From Singularity Hub 

He proposed a model of the solar system that based the distances between planetary orbits on a particular configuration of the five solids.

From Quanta Magazine

Most people could agree on whether a given configuration of materials is a functioning vehicle or a useless set of parts.

From The Daily Beast

Mark was told by his geneticist that, given her genomic configuration, Jennifer was unusually verbal, mobile, and independent.

From The Daily Beast

In our current configuration of religious interest groups, we find significant overlap with party politics.

From The Daily Beast

Why were the toys in her room arranged in the same configuration as the gang rape scenario depicted in the gruesome video?

From The Daily Beast

Several will retire and be replaced -- and even one replacement could fundamentally change the configuration of the court.

From The Daily Beast

The interior of the church is broad and lofty, but through its Norman configuration it is stiff and coldly ponderous in effect.

From Project Gutenberg

At one particular place an enormous avalanche is an annual event, owing to the peculiar configuration of the gorges.

From Project Gutenberg

I point out to you the configuration which is halfway down the garage doorjamb outline.

From Project Gutenberg

The pyramidal configuration has resolved itself into an unconstrained grouping of figures.

From Project Gutenberg

Art still profounder was perhaps shown in the configuration of the nose.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• composition
• contour
• shape
• structure