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

Look down your nose at the kiddie shows and action hours, telenovelas, thrillers and endless permutations of horror, and risk missing the heartbeat of a global culture that continues to change in marvelous ways, year to year, day to day. —Steven Gaydos, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024

Think of the permutations of what may come next after the Fed kicked off things with a jumbo 50 basis point interest rate cut in September. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024

The reissue was available in multiple permutations, including a deluxe digital download, two vinyl variants, and two CD/Blu-ray audio combo editions (most inclusive of additional unearthed bonus tracks). —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

Integrated oil and gas firms are turning to AI for refinery optimization and making their downstream assets more responsive to changing demand permutations by adjusting output and feedstock requirements, and emissions detection and monitoring. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 31 Oct. 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