conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

-fər-

1

: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation

2

: formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements : an assembling into a whole

the gradual conformation of the embryo

3

a

: correspondence especially to a model or plan

b

: structure

c

: the shape or proportionate dimensions especially of an animal

d

: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond

conformational

ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-fər-

adjective

Synonyms

• shape
• form

Examples of conformation in a Sentence

The dogs will be judged on conformation tomorrow.

an ice sculpture in the conformation of a swan

Recent Examples on the Web

The Galaxy-maker did not include one of the critical fixes in its March security release, and no conformation yet when that might turn up. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

There are two parts to the Westminster Dog Show, the conformation and the agility championship. —Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025

The poster, 32-year-old Maia, told Newsweek that Lottie is a very active four-year-old who participates in the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America's terrier trials, which include events like conformation, racing, GTG, agility and obedience. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

Listen to this article Loading your audio article Thousands of dogs and their owners are gathering in Orlando this week for North America’s largest dog show, with its tests of agility, obedience and conformation to breed standards, hosted by the American Kennel Club. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conformation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

-fər-

1

: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation

2

: a shaping or putting into form

3

a

: structure entry 1 sense 3

b

: the form or outline especially of an animal

Medical Definition

conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər- 

: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond

conformational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

conformationally

-ē 

adverb