permutation

noun

per·​mu·​ta·​tion ˌpər-myü-ˈtā-shən 

1

: often major or fundamental change (as in character or condition) based primarily on rearrangement of existent elements

the system has gone through several permutations

also : a form or variety resulting from such change

technology available in various permutations

2

a

: the act or process of changing the lineal order of an ordered set of objects

b

: an ordered arrangement of a set of objects

permutational

ˌpər-myü-ˈtā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Did you know?

Permutation has not changed all that much since it was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-French as permutacioun, meaning "exchange, transformation." Permutacioun traces back to the Latin verb permutare, meaning "to change thoroughly, exchange," and ultimately derives from the Latin mutare, "to change." Other descendants of mutare in English include commute, mutant, and mutual. Permutation also has a specific application in the field of mathematics relating to the ordering of a given set of objects. For example, permutations of items a, b, and c are abc, acb, bac, etc.

Examples of permutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Picture lights, sconces, and lamps all throughout can accommodate various lighting permutations. —Michael Boodro, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2024

Club officials had a plethora of permutations for how this winter would unfold, but had not committed to anything before gathering this week at the Winter Meetings. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024

The permutations are too many to break down, but according to The Athletic’s model, the 49ers have a 6 percent chance of making the playoffs and four percent of winning the division. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Dec. 2024

Identity politics or acceptance of every permutation of self is a really hard sell to those who often see things in black and white—the working class. —Tony Peters, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English permutacioun exchange, transformation, from Anglo-French, from Latin permutation-, permutatio, from permutare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing permutation

• even permutation
• odd permutation
• permutation group

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Kids Definition

permutation

noun

per·​mu·​ta·​tion ˌpər-myu̇-ˈtā-shən 

: an ordered arrangement of a set of objects