permutation

noun

per·​mu·​ta·​tion ˌpər-myü-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce permutation (audio)
1
: often major or fundamental change (as in character or condition) based primarily on rearrangement of existent elements
the system has gone through several permutations
also : a form or variety resulting from such change
technology available in various permutations
2
a
: the act or process of changing the lineal order of an ordered set of objects
b
: an ordered arrangement of a set of objects
permutational adjective

Did you know?

Permutation has not changed all that much since it was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-French as permutacioun, meaning "exchange, transformation." Permutacioun traces back to the Latin verb permutare, meaning "to change thoroughly, exchange," and ultimately derives from the Latin mutare, "to change." Other descendants of mutare in English include commute, mutant, and mutual. Permutation also has a specific application in the field of mathematics relating to the ordering of a given set of objects. For example, permutations of items a, b, and c are abc, acb, bac, etc.

Examples of permutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Over a dozen years and through many permutations, these negotiations with Tehran led to the deeply flawed 2015 Iran nuclear deal. John R. Bolton, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025 Of all the permutations put into play by the Heat to potentially land Durant, Ware was not one of them. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025 Thx for the great explanation of this trade, the rationales and all the potential permutations involved. John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025 Jaime has been floated in trade permutations and the Heat certainly would include him, if needed, in the right deal. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for permutation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English permutacioun exchange, transformation, from Anglo-French, from Latin permutation-, permutatio, from permutare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of permutation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Permutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permutation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

permutation

noun
per·​mu·​ta·​tion ˌpər-myu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce permutation (audio)
: an ordered arrangement of a set of objects

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