conformation

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

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

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

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

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conformational

play \ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl, -fər-\ adjective

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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 of conformation from the Web

Otitis external is also complicated by predisposing factors like conformation (narrow canal, long ears), environmental factors (high humidity, excessive cleaning), and other diseases that affect the skin.

— patty khuly, miamiherald, "Dogs, cats often suffer common inflammatory ear condition | Miami Herald," 19 Apr. 2018
Along with the idea of genetic purity came the idea of conformational purity: that dogs could be bred to have an ideal conformation.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "The Evolution of Petface," 1 Feb. 2018
In too many cases, however, C-sections happen because the pets in question possess an exaggerated cranial conformation that makes the birth canal a no-go.

— patty khuly, miamiherald, "Why breed dogs, cats that usually need C-sections to give birth? | Miami Herald," 1 Mar. 2018
Some of these issues are related to conformation, or body shape; others are linked to inbreeding.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "The Evolution of Petface," 1 Feb. 2018
This is just one example of how extreme breed conformation can affect dog welfare and increase the reliance of brachycephalic dogs on human intervention.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "The Evolution of Petface," 1 Feb. 2018
In the meantime, the book will confirm what both sides already believe: Democrats will see in it explicit conformation of all that is unfit and unworthy in Trump, while Republicans will see instead all that is wrong with the news media.

— nancy gibbs, Time, "The Unpresident: Why Donald Trump Will Never Change," 11 Jan. 2018
Its molecules toggle between two shapes, or conformations.

— NBC News, "'Battery' that bottles sunshine could bring a new solar revolution," 10 Jan. 2018
Gus was the son of the regional grand champion in conformation and the nephew of the grand champion in agility; and Gus turned out to be the pick of the litter.

— joan morris, The Mercury News, "Giant schnauzer wants nothing to do with car," 15 Feb. 2017

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.