conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce conformation (audio)
-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
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 How to pronounce conformation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-fər-
adjective

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 There are some factors that can make a dog more susceptible to heat stroke, and the biggest one that comes to mind is conformation, or the dog’s shape and structure. Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024 But unfortunately for the downtown retail scene, official conformation never arrived and every round of Apple Store speculation died out. Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 4 June 2024 All cells have lots of adjustable pieces in their cytoskeletons and gene regulatory networks that can be set in different conformations and can inform behavior later on. Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 In the halter and walking fleece shows, the alpacas are brought by their owners to the center ring, where they are judged based on the quality of their fleece and conformation. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conformation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conformation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conformation was in 1511

Dictionary Entries Near conformation

Cite this Entry

“Conformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

conformation

noun
con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce conformation (audio)
-fər-
1
: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation
2
: a shaping or putting into form
3
b
: the form or outline especially of an animal

Medical Definition

conformation

noun
con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər- How to pronounce conformation (audio)
: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond
conformational adjective
conformationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conformation

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