configuration

[kuhn-fig-yuh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. the relative disposition or arrangement of the parts or elements of a thing.

2. external form, as resulting from this; conformation.

3. Astronomy.

   1. the relative position or aspect of heavenly bodies.

   2. a group of stars.

4. Chemistry.,  an atomic spatial arrangement that is fixed by the chemical bonding in a molecule and that cannot be altered without breaking bonds (conformation ).

5. Computers.

   1. the way a computer or computer system is put together; a specific set and arrangement of internal and external components, including hardware, software, and devices.

   2. the way a software program or device is set up for a particular computer, computer system, or task; the specific settings for a program or device.

      configuration of your email program to work with your new ISP.

configuration

/ kənˌfɪɡjʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the arrangement of the parts of something

2. the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement

3. physics chem

   1. Also called: conformation. the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms

   2. the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons

4. psychol the unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists

5. computing the particular choice of hardware items and their interconnection that make up a particular computer system

Other Word Forms

• configurationally adverb
• configurational adjective
• configurative adjective
• preconfiguration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of configuration¹

1550–60; < Late Latin configūrātiōn- (stem of configūrātiō ), equivalent to Latin configūrāt ( us ) shaped like its model, past participle of configūrāre to mold, shape ( con- con- + figūr ( a ) figure + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of configuration¹

C16: from Late Latin configūrātiō a similar formation, from configūrāre to model on something, from figūrāre to shape, fashion

Example Sentences

The city of Los Angeles requires two stairways for such buildings, which limited the configurations Ha could use.

From Los Angeles Times

The goals and chances that Rangers have conceded this season, no matter the configuration of their defence, have been amateur hour.

From BBC

With a maximum capacity of 50,000 in its football configuration, the venue would be the first multi-purpose domed stadium, complete with air-conditioning to withstand the brutal Texas heat.

From Salon

Doggett, 78, is an Austin institution, having represented Texas’ capital city in various district configurations for 30 years in the U.S.

From Salon

With the passing of the Prince of Darkness, and without his powerful presence to anchor an Ozzfest, any future configurations of the tour would need to be reimagined.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• composition 
• contour 
• shape 
• structure