conformation

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

, -fər- \

Definition of conformation

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

3a : 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

Other Words from conformation Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about conformation

Keep scrolling for more

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 Unlike the conformation — the formal name for the sport of showing purebreds — agility and obedience welcome mixed-breeds, here simply called All American dogs. — Jan Hoffman, New York Times, "At the Westminster Dog Show: Top Dogs, Top Docs," 11 Feb. 2020 The competition, held at Orange County Convention Center, hosts a variety of events — from conformation to agility and dock diving — with more than 11,000 dogs vying for recognition and titles. — Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, "AKC show provides competitive outlet for Orlando dog lovers," 12 Dec. 2019 Her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have earned conformation championships and titles in obedience, tracking, rally obedience, K-9 Nose Work and their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificates. — Iris Katz, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Pet Wise: Learn to interpret animal body language before another pet enters your household," 13 Dec. 2019 Representatives from the Netherlands will be at Four Town Fairgrounds to inspect the Friesian horses and goals on their movement, conformation, fitness and breed characteristics. — courant.com, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 11 Sep. 2019 Events include agility, conformation, go-to-ground, obedience, racing, and trailing and locating. — Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Taneytown Terrier Trials bring ‘great little’ dogs — 188 of them — to Carroll County," 18 July 2019 While pedigreed dogs will go head-to-head in events including an AKC conformation competition, family dogs will contend in activities such as Frisbee and canine musical freestyle. — Marcy De Luna, Houston Chronicle, "'Game of Thrones'-themed dog? Outlandish grooming featured at Houston World Series of Dog Shows," 17 June 2019 For most membrane channels, scientists have been limited to studying the structure in one conformation — open or closed. — Quanta Magazine, "Scientists Reveal Structure of Pain Sensor," 20 Feb. 2014 Another naval conformation may be ahead on the horizon, as the U.S. is considering sending a warship through the Taiwan Strait, Reuters reported Tuesday. — Travis Fedschun, Fox News, "China slams US after B-52 bomber flyby in South China Sea, calls move ‘risky’," 6 June 2018

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