configuration
the relative disposition or arrangement of the parts or elements of a thing.
external form, as resulting from this; conformation.
Astronomy.
the relative position or aspect of heavenly bodies.
a group of stars.
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).
Computers.
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.
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 of configuration
1Other words from configuration
- con·fig·u·ra·tion·al, con·fig·u·ra·tive [kuhn-fig-yer-uh-tiv, -yuh-rey-tiv], /kənˈfɪg yər ə tɪv, -yəˌreɪ tɪv/, adjective
- con·fig·u·ra·tion·al·ly, adverb
- pre·con·fig·u·ra·tion, noun
Words Nearby configuration
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use configuration in a sentence
Since the pliable phase has fewer possible configurations, it has less entropy.
The proof is much more than a readout of all the configurations of variables the computers checked.
Computer Search Settles 90-Year-Old Math Problem | Kevin Hartnett | August 19, 2020 | Quanta MagazineFor the beads, depending on the shape of the landscape, starting at a higher temperature meant they could more easily rearrange themselves into a configuration that matched a lower temperature.
A new experiment hints at how hot water can freeze faster than cold | Emily Conover | August 7, 2020 | Science NewsThis particular configuration is indeed the easiest to discover in experiments.
CERN: Physicists Report the Discovery of Unique New Particle | Harry Cliff | July 15, 2020 | Singularity HubHe proposed a model of the solar system that based the distances between planetary orbits on a particular configuration of the five solids.
Most people could agree on whether a given configuration of materials is a functioning vehicle or a useless set of parts.
Mark was told by his geneticist that, given her genomic configuration, Jennifer was unusually verbal, mobile, and independent.
In our current configuration of religious interest groups, we find significant overlap with party politics.
Even Conservative Evangelical Support Couldn’t Save Immigration Reform | Jacob Lupfer | July 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWhy were the toys in her room arranged in the same configuration as the gang rape scenario depicted in the gruesome video?
True Detective’s Red Herring: Actress Erin Moriarty, Who Plays Marty’s Daughter, Tells All | Marlow Stern | March 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSeveral will retire and be replaced -- and even one replacement could fundamentally change the configuration of the court.
The interior of the church is broad and lofty, but through its Norman configuration it is stiff and coldly ponderous in effect.
Our Churches and Chapels | AtticusAt one particular place an enormous avalanche is an annual event, owing to the peculiar configuration of the gorges.
The Cradle of Mankind | W.A. WigramI point out to you the configuration which is halfway down the garage doorjamb outline.
Warren Commission (3 of 26): Hearings Vol. III (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President KennedyThe pyramidal configuration has resolved itself into an unconstrained grouping of figures.
The History of Modern Painting, Volume 1 (of 4) | Richard MutherArt still profounder was perhaps shown in the configuration of the nose.
British Dictionary definitions for configuration
/ (kənˌfɪɡjʊˈreɪʃən) /
the arrangement of the parts of something
the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement
physics chem
Also called: conformation the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms
the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons
psychol the unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists
computing the particular choice of hardware items and their interconnection that make up a particular computer system
Origin of configuration
1Derived forms of configuration
- configurational or configurative, adjective
- configurationally, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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