conformation

[ kon-fawr-mey-shuhn ]

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. ( configuration ).

conformation

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌconforˈmational, adjective

Other Words From

• confor·mation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conformation¹

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

Example Sentences

They add that it is likely “throughout the medieval period, at different times, different conformations of horses were desirable in response to changing battlefield tactics and cultural preferences.”

From Popular-Science

Butters comes from a long line of  show dogs and has the conformation that could have made him a big winner.

From The Daily Beast

He is less corpulent, and his legs are shorter; in the stomach and intestines, there is a difference of conformation.

From Project Gutenberg

His exterior conformation resembles that of man, he has arms, hands, and fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

The elephant is yet more singular in the conformation of his feet, and the texture of his skin.

From Project Gutenberg

With this change a corresponding change takes place in the conformation of the surface and the general aspect of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

The physical conformation of the still extant Iberians, has nothing definitely characteristic about it.

From Project Gutenberg