figuration

American  

[fig-yuh-rey-shuhn] / ˌfɪg yəˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of shaping into a particular figure.

2. the resulting figure or shape.

   emblematic figurations of the sun and the moon.

3. the act of representing figuratively.

4. a figurative representation.

   allegorical figurations.

5. the act of marking or adorning with a design.

6. Music.

   1. the employment of passing notes or other embellishments.

   2. the figuring of a bass part.

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figuration British  

/ ˌfɪɡəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. music

   1. the employment of characteristic patterns of notes, esp in variations on a theme

   2. decoration or florid ornamentation in general

2. the act or an instance of representing figuratively, as by means of allegory or emblem

3. a figurative or emblematic representation

4. the act of decorating with a design

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Etymology

Origin of figuration

1400–50; late Middle English figuracioun < Latin figūrātiōn- (stem of figūrātiō ) “a shaping” ( figure ( def. ) ) + -ion

Example Sentences

But I’m more interested in painting that utilizes figuration, where there’s no longer that hierarchy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

His sculptures from this time look like whimsical industrial castoffs or colorful yet mangled theatrical masks, toeing the line between objects and bodies, abstraction and figuration.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2023

Her gestures, like the schematic flowers that let her claim a toehold in figuration, are always distinctly efficient.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2023

In contrast, Brown tries to straddle two distinct idioms: abstract mark-making and impressionistic figuration.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2023

It is an artistic conception, and in "light winged figuration" far more mature than the Chopin of op.

From Chopin : the Man and His Music by Huneker, James