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

The algorithm could create as many as 52 quintillion permutations of the film. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024

Cyclical volatility in the commodity market, supply and demand permutations, operational risks, resource management and capital planning are routine challenges that occupy hearts and minds at energy companies. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Elsewhere, Coco Gauff’s top-50 record came under scrutiny, Diana Shnaider continued her sensational run, and ranking point permutations had a moment in the spotlight. —James Hansen, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024

Jung-do’s righteous determination to fight and prevent crime is enjoyable; these permutations of evil not so much. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 15 Sep. 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