configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
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 How to pronounce configuration (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
ˌkän-
-gə-ˈrā-
adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative
kən-ˈfi-gyə-rə-tiv How to pronounce configuration (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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
For those with a larger budget, this configuration gives you a lot of bang for your buck, able to play the latest games at their highest settings. Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024 In any event, though again, this aspect of performance is up to OEM configuration somewhat, performance on battery power is indeed one of this Snapdragon X laptop’s superpowers. Dave Altavilla, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In some instances, producers must change most of the configuration of hosts on set without the benefit of taking a commercial break. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 The track's tight configuration and storied history contribute to its reputation for fierce racing and frequent incidents. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for configuration 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of configuration was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near configuration

Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configuration. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
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- How to pronounce configuration (audio)
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 adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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