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.
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
Premium economy updates Premium Plus seats on the 787-9s will feature privacy dividers and wireless charging, an update from the current premium economy configuration across United's fleet.
—
Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 May 2025
The technology requires no client-side installation or complex network configuration.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Thanks to its two removable wood shelves, users can customize the shed’s configuration for their storage needs, depending on the height and quantity of items.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 12 May 2025
Harbaugh said the team has alternated between last year’s configuration that had Johnson at left guard next to center Bradley Bozeman and reversing the two offensive linemen to put Johnson at center for the first time in his NFL career.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for configuration
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Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 May 2025
The technology requires no client-side installation or complex network configuration.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Thanks to its two removable wood shelves, users can customize the shed’s configuration for their storage needs, depending on the height and quantity of items.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 12 May 2025
Harbaugh said the team has alternated between last year’s configuration that had Johnson at left guard next to center Bradley Bozeman and reversing the two offensive linemen to put Johnson at center for the first time in his NFL career.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for configuration
Cite this Entry
“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configuration. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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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