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 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

Other Word Forms

• configurational adjective
• configurative adjective
• configurationally adverb
• preconfiguration 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

In a statement to The Times, the DMV said it is required by law to review all requests for personalized license plates and ensure the configurations being approved are permissible under state law.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It digitally replicates panel configurations and crop types to simulate how much light and heat each leaf receives, how photosynthesis is affected, and ultimately how much yield to expect."

Read more on BBC

The city of Los Angeles requires two stairways for such buildings, which limited the configurations Ha could use.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The goals and chances that Rangers have conceded this season, no matter the configuration of their defence, have been amateur hour.

Read more on BBC

With a maximum capacity of 50,000 in its football configuration, the venue would be the first multi-purpose domed stadium, complete with air-conditioning to withstand the brutal Texas heat.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• composition 
• contour 
• shape 
• structure