conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

-fər-

1

: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation

2

: formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements : an assembling into a whole

the gradual conformation of the embryo

3

a

: correspondence especially to a model or plan

b

: structure

c

: the shape or proportionate dimensions especially of an animal

d

: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond

conformational

ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-fər-

adjective

Synonyms

• cast
• configuration
• fashion
• figure
• form
• geometry
• shape

Examples of conformation in a Sentence

The dogs will be judged on conformation tomorrow.

an ice sculpture in the conformation of a swan

Recent Examples on the Web

There are some factors that can make a dog more susceptible to heat stroke, and the biggest one that comes to mind is conformation, or the dog’s shape and structure. —Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024

But unfortunately for the downtown retail scene, official conformation never arrived and every round of Apple Store speculation died out. —Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 4 June 2024

All cells have lots of adjustable pieces in their cytoskeletons and gene regulatory networks that can be set in different conformations and can inform behavior later on. —Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024

In the halter and walking fleece shows, the alpacas are brought by their owners to the center ring, where they are judged based on the quality of their fleece and conformation. —Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

-fər-

1

: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation

2

: a shaping or putting into form

3

a

: structure entry 1 sense 3

b

: the form or outline especially of an animal

Medical Definition

conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər- 

: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond

conformational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

conformationally

-ē 

adverb