configuration
noun
con·fig·u·ra·tion
kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən 
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
configurationally
adverb
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.
Synonyms
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
The rooms come in five configurations with very Miami names, such as the Graffiti Grove King, MIA Playground Double Queen, and the Mojito XL King Suite, ranging from 211 to 592 square feet.
—
Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
Families with kids will love the room configuration—two pairs of bunk beds plus a queen.
—Sam Pfeifle, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
The attack nevertheless revealed a new configuration of the axis that involved more proactive and autonomous decision-making from its members.
—Renad Mansour, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Martinsville Speedway holds a significant place in NASCAR history and is renowned for its tight, half-mile oval configuration that frequently pushes drivers to their limits.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for configuration 
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Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
Families with kids will love the room configuration—two pairs of bunk beds plus a queen.
—Sam Pfeifle, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
The attack nevertheless revealed a new configuration of the axis that involved more proactive and autonomous decision-making from its members.
—Renad Mansour, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Martinsville Speedway holds a significant place in NASCAR history and is renowned for its tight, half-mile oval configuration that frequently pushes drivers to their limits.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for configuration
Dictionary Entries Near configuration
Cite this Entry
“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configuration. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
configuration
noun
con·fig·u·ra·tion
kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən
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-
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
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