A configuration is an arrangement of a group of things.
[formal]
...Stonehenge, in south-western England, an ancient configuration of giant stones. [+ of]
2. uncountable noun
The configuration of a computer system is way in which all its parts, such as the hardware and software, are connected together in order for the computer to work.
[computing]
Prices range from $119 to $199, depending on the particular configuration.
More Synonyms of configuration
configuration in British English
(kənˌfɪɡjʊˈreɪʃən)
noun
1.
the arrangement of the parts of something
2.
the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement
3. physics, chemistry
a. Also called: conformation
the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms
b.
the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons
4. psychology
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 (conˌfiguˈrational) or configurative (conˈfigurative)
adjective
configurationally (conˌfiguˈrationally)
adverb
Word origin
C16: from Late Latin configūrātiō a similar formation, from configūrāre to model on something, from figūrāre to shape, fashion
configuration in American English
(kənˌfɪgjəˈreɪʃən)
noun
1.
a.
arrangement of parts
b.
form or figure as determined by the arrangement of parts; contour; outline
2. Chemistry
the structure of a compound, esp. in the spatial relation of atoms in the molecule
3.
gestalt
4. Computing
the way in which a computer and peripheral equipment are interconnected and programmed to operate as a system
SIMILAR WORDS: form
Derived forms
configurational (conˌfiguˈrational)
adjective
configurative (conˈfiguˌrative)
adjective
Word origin
L configuratio < configurare, to form after < com-, together + figurare: see figure
Examples of 'configuration' in a sentence
configuration
A house like this needs a particular kind of configuration and furnishing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She said native breeds had a different configuration of natural fat, meaning the meat was less likely to be dry, and they were longer in the leg.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
How best to deal with the new political configuration.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The particular configuration of musicians was enough to set alarm bells ringing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The fourth reason why a new era of capitalism looms is that a new configuration of geopolitical forces is emerging.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
If you want one in blue, or with a different room configuration, forget it.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other languages
configuration
British English: configuration NOUN
A configuration is an arrangement of a group of things.
...an ancient configuration of giant stones.
American English: configuration
Brazilian Portuguese: configuração
Chinese: 排列
European Spanish: configuración
French: structure
German: Konfiguration
Italian: configurazione
Japanese: 配置
Korean: 배치
European Portuguese: configuração
Latin American Spanish: configuración
(noun)
Definition
the form or outline of such an arrangement
The flow of water follows the configuration of the rock strata.
Synonyms
arrangement
form
Valleys often take the form of deep canyons.
shape
the shapes of the trees against the sky
cast
outline
She could see only the hazy outline of the trees.
contour
The light of dawn began to outline the contours of the hills.
conformation
Poor conformation means a horse is more susceptible to injury.
figure
A figure appeared in the doorway.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of conformation
Definition
the arrangement of the parts of an object
Poor conformation means a horse is more susceptible to injury.
Synonyms
shape,
build,
form,
structure,
arrangement,
outline,
framework,
anatomy,
configuration
in the sense of contour
Definition
an outline
The light of dawn began to outline the contours of the hills.