configuration

American  

[kuhn-fig-yuh-rey-shuhn] / kənˌfɪg jəˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

configurations plural

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 (contrasted with 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.

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configuration British  

/ 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 called: conformation.  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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preconfiguration
  noun
• configurational
  adjective
• configurative
  adjective
• configurationally
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• configurations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of configuration

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

Explanation

When you position items into any spatial arrangement, you are creating a configuration, or specific shape. For example, scientists refer to the specific, bonded arrangement of atoms to make a molecule as a configuration. The root of configuration presents pretty much the current meaning, with the Latin configūrāre meaning "to mold or shape." You can see the word figure in the middle, which presents the idea of a physical form that's being shaped. As an example: the specific configuration, or arrangement, of the genes in your DNA is what makes you the unique individual that you are.

Example Sentences

But a take-off roll with retracted flaps would trigger warnings from the 787's take-off Configuration Warning System, alerting the flight crew to an unsafe configuration, according to one pilot the BBC spoke to.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

But Franklin and Gosling's paper, boringly entitled “Molecular Configuration in Sodium Thymonucleate,” lacked the impact of Watson and Crick's declaration that they had discovered DNA's structure.

From Scientific American • Sep. 24, 2023

To Boot Configuration Data file, use the command:bootrec /rebuildbcd.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2023

It’s a long list and includes 52 options, from basics like contacts and photos to technical details such as the “Android Device Configuration Service.”

From Washington Post • May 20, 2022

Configuration of the ground at Santo Domingo.—Excavation of valleys.—Geology of the district.—Decomposition of the rocks.

From The Naturalist in Nicaragua by Belt, Thomas

Related Words

• composition
• contour
• shape
• structure