configuration

[kuh n-fig-yuh-rey-shuh n] /kənˌfɪg yəˈreɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
the relative disposition or arrangement of the parts or elements of a thing.
2.
external form, as resulting from this; conformation.
3.
Astronomy.
  1. the relative position or aspect of heavenly bodies.
  2. a group of stars.
4.
Chemistry. an atomic spatial arrangement that is fixed by the chemical bonding in a molecule and that cannot be altered without breaking bonds (contrasted with conformation).
5.
Computers.
  1. the way a computer or computer system is put together; a specific set and arrangement of internal and external components, including hardware, software, and devices.
  2. the way a software program or device is set up for a particular computer, computer system, or task; the specific settings for a program or device:
    configuration of your email program to work with your new ISP.
Origin
1550-60; < Late Latin configūrātiōn- (stem of configūrātiō), equivalent to Latin configūrāt(us) shaped like its model, past participle of configūrāre to mold, shape (con- con- + figūr(a) figure + -ātus -ate1) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
configurational, configurative
[kuh n-fig-yer-uh-tiv, -yuh-rey-tiv] /kənˈfɪg yər ə tɪv, -yəˌreɪ tɪv/ (Show IPA), adjective
configurationally, adverb
preconfiguration, noun
Examples from the web for configuration
  • But instead of one hull, his new craft has three, a configuration that makes capsizing less.
  • Work with subject matter experts in performing system configuration.
  • As a result, for the first time in history, the world is becoming a three-block configuration.
  • The lines break and reconnect with each other to form a lower energy configuration.
  • Infectious prions with this configuration would set off a chain reaction that would convert normal protein to the deadly form.
  • Because of its configuration and materials, the garden doubles as a firebreak.
  • The new configuration puts too much emphasis on theory, he believes.
  • On the face of it, this configuration of people and power on both sides of the fence spells doom.
  • There are moon buggies of every size, color, and configuration.
  • What is amazing that similar configuration of electrons occurs in the weakly metallic systems.
British Dictionary definitions for configuration

configuration

/kənˌfɪɡjʊˈreɪʃən/
noun
1.
the arrangement of the parts of something
2.
the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement
3.
(physics, chem)
  1. Also called conformation. the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms
  2. the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons
4.
(psychol) the unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists
5.
(computing) the particular choice of hardware items and their interconnection that make up a particular computer system
Derived Forms
configurational, configurative, adjective
configurationally, adverb
Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin configūrātiō a similar formation, from configūrāre to model on something, from figūrāre to shape, fashion
Word Origin and History for configuration
n.

1550s, from Latin configurationem (nominative configuratio), noun of action from past participle stem of configurare (see configure).

configuration in Medicine

configuration con·fig·u·ra·tion (kən-fĭg'yə-rā'shən)
n.

  1. The arrangement of parts or elements of a whole, especially the structural arrangement of atoms in a compound or molecule.

  2. Gestalt.