configuration

noun

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

, ˌkän-, -gə-ˈrā- \

Definition of configuration

1a : 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

Other Words from configuration Synonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About configuration

Other Words from 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

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 In its current configuration Republicans hold 16 seats and Democrats hold 11. — Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2022 In that configuration, the vessel could reach a top speed of 40 knots. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2022 There’s not a substantial number of works written for that configuration. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2022 That's a notable bump from the current non-Plus XPS, which starts at $850 (that configuration was out of stock on Dell's website as of writing. — Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2022 That configuration put the Sox in the best position to win ballgames, and what that looks like going forward is certainly enticing. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Nov. 2021 Many organizations' sales teams push their engineering to do that small nitty-gritty configuration to support that proof of concept by that billion-dollar Forbes 1000 organization. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2021 The attack itself, called an exploit kit, contained multiple stages, the first of which attempted to fingerprint the victim's hardware by collecting information about the specs and configuration. — Michael Kan, PCMAG, 24 Mar. 2022 Quick-scan device register & configuration and remote monitoring and troubleshooting. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'configuration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for configuration

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

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