configuration

noun

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

ˌkän-,

-gə-ˈrā-

1

a

: 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

b

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

c

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

2

: 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.

Synonyms

• structure
• framework
• architecture

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

Nothing is lost in this interpretive framework except historical truth in its most disarming configurations. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

The company also offers a radio-opaque configuration for missions that require signal shielding. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

That flight deck configuration is a first for a Chinese carrier. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025

Creative configurations, custom molding, and fillers, along with a coat of paint, will create storage solutions throughout the house. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for configuration

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən 

kän-

: arrangement of parts or the pattern produced by such arrangement

Medical Definition

configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkän- 

1

a

: relative arrangement of parts or elements

b

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

2

: gestalt

personality configuration

configurational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

configurationally

-ē 

adverb

configurative

-ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv 

adjective