conformation

American  

[kon-fawr-mey-shuhn] / ˌkɒn fɔrˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. manner of formation; structure; form, as of a physical entity.

   Synonyms:

   shape, configuration

2. symmetrical disposition or arrangement of parts.

3. the act or process of conforming; adaptation; adjustment.

4. the state of being conformed.

5. Chemistry. an atomic spatial arrangement that results from rotation of carbon atoms about single bonds within an organic molecule. (contrasted with configuration).

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conformation British  

/ ˌkɒnfɔːˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. the general shape or outline of an object; configuration

2. the arrangement of the parts of an object

3. the act or state of conforming

4. chem

   1. another name for configuration

   2. one of the configurations of a molecule that can easily change its shape and can consequently exist in equilibrium with molecules of different configuration

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Other Word Forms

• conformational
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of conformation

1505–15; < Latin confōrmātiōn- (stem of confōrmātiō ), equivalent to confōrmāt ( us ) past participle of confōrmāre to shape ( con- con- + fōrm ( a ) form + -āt ( us ) -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Conformation can mean following the rules, or fitting in. Competitions require conformation from competitors who must follow the rules of the game. You might note water's conformation to the shape of whatever container that holds it. Conformation has its base in the word conform, which means to follow the rules, or behave in such a way that you fit in, in a social or a spatial way (i.e. adjusting to something else's contours). Conformation should not be confused with confirmation, which means showing the truth or accuracy of something. The two words do have similar religious meanings though. Conformation refers to complying with the rules of a church, while confirmation means a person's full entry into the Christian belief.

Example Sentences

"Conformation at the molecular level is incredibly important, particularly for thinking about how biomolecules interact with each other," says Goldsmith.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

Conformation shows and other events remain few and far between.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2020

SAT-MON Specialty events with 14 breed clubs, AKC Conformation and Obedience events, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2017

Conformation, like size and breeding formulas, does not always guarantee speed or spirit.

From Time Magazine Archive

Leaves of Special Conformation and Use 62 Leaves for storage 62Leaves as bud-scales 63 Spines 64and for Climbing 64Pitchers 64 and Fly-traps 65� 3.

From The Elements of Botany For Beginners and For Schools by Gray, Asa