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configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion | \ kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio) , ˌkän-, -gə-ˈrā-\

Definition of configuration

1a : relative arrangement of parts or elements: such as
(1) : shape
(2) : contour of land configuration of the mountains
(3) : functional arrangement a small business computer system in its simplest configuration
b : something (such as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components
c : the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2 : gestalt personality configuration
Other Words from configuration Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about configuration

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Other Words from configuration

configurational \ kən-​ˌfi-​gyə-​ˈrā-​shnəl How to pronounce configurational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl , ˌkän-​ , -​gə-​ˈrā-​ \ adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative \ kən-​ˈfi-​gyə-​rə-​tiv How to pronounce configurative (audio) , -​ˈfi-​gə-​ , ˌkän-​ \ adjective

Did You Know?

The term is very common in computer science and mathematics, and in scientific and technological fields in general. Thus, for example, two scientists won a 1962 Nobel Prize for their description of the configuration of the DNA molecule. Since then, researchers have studied what different configurations within the DNA strands mean and what they control, and genetic engineers have tried to configure or reconfigure DNA in new ways to prevent or treat diseases.

Examples of configuration in a Sentence

We'll have to change the configuration of the system to accommodate the new server. the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome

Recent Examples on the Web

 To test this idea, the researchers ran a large number of simulations of the early Solar System, varying the precise configuration of Jupiter and any nearby orbital bodies. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Jupiter may have had a head-on collision with a massive protoplanet," 14 Aug. 2019 These nuclear collisions create extreme configurations of matter and energy, which then start to relax toward equilibrium. — Quanta Magazine, "The Universal Law That Aims Time’s Arrow," 1 Aug. 2019 The question is even more pointed since the westbound side is now pulling double duty, carrying an emergency configuration of two lanes in each direction while the eastbound side continues buckling and sinking. — Jon Murray, The Denver Post, "Here’s why CDOT says U.S. 36’s westbound lanes won’t also collapse," 19 July 2019 In this way, Savage creates new configurations of women’s self-love, based on human connection. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "Lila Savage’s Say Say Say Is a Breakthrough in Women’s Fiction," 16 July 2019 The max configuration of 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage costs $749. — Dallas News, "OnePlus 7 Pro is a flagship phone priced way below the competition," 11 July 2019 The 2019 wildfire season’s biggest fire began with a lightning strike on June 21 to the northeast of Livengood, a configuration of mining camps and recreational cabins northwest of Fairbanks on the Elliot Highway. — Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, "Hess Creek fire, burning in Alaska’s Interior, is largest wildfire in the nation," 10 July 2019 Windows were reinstalled in the same places as their original positions, and the configuration of the units’ front porches remained the same, too. — Cody Boteler, baltimoresun.com, "Rehabbed homes in historically black Winters Lane community brings affordable rental units," 27 June 2019 The flexible seating capacity allows for configurations of 42,500 (when the upper bowl is closed) or 70,000-plus when fully opened. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "Numbers Behind 2019 MLS Ambition Rankings: Eastern Conference Clubs," 10 June 2019

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

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First Known Use of configuration

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for configuration

earlier, "relative position of the planets," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "form, relative position of the planets," borrowed from Late Latin configūrātiōn-, configūrātiō "comparison, shaping," from Latin configūrāre "to shape, mold" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at configure

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More Definitions for configuration

configuration

noun
How to pronounce configuration (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of configuration

: the way the parts of something are arranged
computers : the way a computer system or program is prepared for a particular use

See the full definition for configuration in the English Language Learners Dictionary

configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion | \ kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkän- How to pronounce configuration (audio) \

Medical Definition of configuration

1a : relative arrangement of parts or elements
b : the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2 : gestalt personality configuration

Other Words from configuration

configurational \ -​shnəl, -​shən-​ᵊl How to pronounce configurational (audio) \ adjective
configurationally \ -​ē How to pronounce configurationally (audio) \ adverb
configurative \ -​ˈfig-​(y)ə-​rət-​iv How to pronounce configurative (audio) \ adjective

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