configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən 

ˌkän-,

-gə-ˈrā-

1

a

: 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

configurational

kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

ˌkän-

-gə-ˈrā-

adjective

configurationally adverb

configurative

kən-ˈfi-gyə-rə-tiv 

-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.

Synonyms

• architecture
• armature
• cadre
• edifice
• fabric
• frame
• framework
• framing
• infrastructure
• shell
• skeleton
• structure

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

The final configuration of the 2025 Nissan Versa SR remains more affordable than the average new car, starting at $21,190. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 May 2025

As part of this evolution, operations teams deploying AI applications should be aware of network capabilities related to performance, capacity, and other parameters, and then automate network configurations accordingly. —Manish Gulyani, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

But, as with ν Octantis, the data isn't clear enough to rule out alternative configurations yet. —John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025

Dell Desktop Deals Dell has a few configurations of this versatile and affordable desktop tower for sale, but only one of them is seeing a $240 discount right now. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for configuration

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən 

kän-

: arrangement of parts or the pattern produced by such arrangement

Medical Definition

configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkän- 

1

a

: 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

configurational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

configurationally

-ē 

adverb

configurative

-ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv 

adjective