configuration

noun

con·fig·u·ra·tion kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən

ˌkän-,

-gə-ˈrā-

Synonyms of configuration next

: relative arrangement of parts or elements: such as

(1)

: shape

(2)

: contour of land

configuration of the mountains

(3)

: functional arrangement

a small business computer system in its simplest configuration

: something (such as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components

: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms

: gestalt

personality configuration

configurational

kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

ˌkän-

-gə-ˈrā-

adjective

configurationally adverb

configurative

kən-ˈfi-gyə-rə-tiv

-ˈfi-gə-

ˌkän-

adjective

Did you know?

The term is very common in computer science and mathematics, and in scientific and technological fields in general. Thus, for example, two scientists won a 1962 Nobel Prize for their description of the configuration of the DNA molecule. Since then, researchers have studied what different configurations within the DNA strands mean and what they control, and genetic engineers have tried to configure or reconfigure DNA in new ways to prevent or treat diseases.

Examples of configuration in a Sentence

We'll have to change the configuration of the system to accommodate the new server. the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome

Recent Examples on the Web For instance, in one configuration, each subcell must output the same amount of current; otherwise, efficiency will be limited to that of the worst-performing subcell. —

Tracy H. Schloemer, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Sep. 2023 In the building’s current configuration, visitors to the administration building now enter through Central School, walking down the same corridors as students. —

Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023 A number of rugs break free of the standard quadrilateral configuration, spilling into free-form shapes that call to mind a Brutalist MC Escher creation. —

Zoey Poll Kin Woo Rima Suqi Zoey Poll Roxanne Fequiere Gisela Williams, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023 If you’re stoked enough by the changes Apple made this year to warrant a day-one purchase, below is a breakdown of the various iPhone 15 models and links to Apple’s pricing and configuration details. —

Emma Roth, The Verge, 13 Sep. 2023 The tubes are then filled with water at a pressure of 5000 psi, which forces them into their four-by-six-inch rectangular configuration. —

Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 This is one of the best from the previous generation, and most users will find its 7.1 channel configuration suitable for their needs. —

Joe Shields, PCMAG, 3 Sep. 2023 What kind of gravitational nudging could have shepherded them into this configuration? —

The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023 Exploring various materials and configurations to create robust shielding solutions is key to ensuring that astronauts’ long-term health is safeguarded during their stay on the Moon. —

Massimo Comparini, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'configuration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "relative position of the planets," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "form, relative position of the planets," borrowed from Late Latin configūrātiōn-, configūrātiō "comparison, shaping," from Latin configūrāre "to shape, mold" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at configure

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of configuration was in 1559

See more words from the same year