conformation
noun
con·for·ma·tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən 
-fər-
1
: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation
2
: formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements : an assembling into a whole
the gradual conformation of the embryo
3
a
: correspondence especially to a model or plan
b
: structure
c
: the shape or proportionate dimensions especially of an animal
d
: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond
conformational
ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shnəl
adjective -shə-nᵊl
-fər-
Synonyms
- cast
- configuration
- fashion
- figure
- form
- geometry
- shape
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The dogs will be judged on conformation tomorrow. an ice sculpture in the conformation of a swan
Recent Examples on the Web In fact, the pores in the cell membrane get so large that the speck conformation of the adapter protein can leave as well, along with other key particles necessary for cell survival. 
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 July 2022 To protect the breed for the future, the public must demand future English bulldogs that are much more moderate in conformation, such as a longer muzzle, a lower jaw that does not protrude, flatter skin and a longer tail, O'Neill said over email. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 June 2022 To stabilize the pre-F conformation, McLellan and his team analyzed the structure of pre-F for mutations that would be maintain the structure maximizing antibody neutralization. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 May 2022 During the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, canines will compete in tests of agility, obedience, dock diving, conformation and more. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 16 Dec. 2021 Still pending Senate conformation is Biden’s nomination of Gigi Sohn, a former FCC staff member and a longtime advocate for open and affordable telecom services, to fill the fifth vacant commissioner seat — which would give Democrats a 3-2 majority. Todd Spangler, Variety, 7 Dec. 2021 The researchers’ follow-up experiments showed that tRNAs could persist in a stable conformation outside both cells and exosomes2. Roxanne Khamsi, Scientific American, 17 June 2020 Binding to this site alters the conformation of the nearby GDP binding site, fixing the GDP in place and permanently locking KRAS in the inactivated position. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 June 2021 Westminster is the nation’s second-longest-running sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, and like the sport of dog conformation itself, it is known for its commitment to tradition. Washington Post, 14 June 2021 See More
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 July 2022 To protect the breed for the future, the public must demand future English bulldogs that are much more moderate in conformation, such as a longer muzzle, a lower jaw that does not protrude, flatter skin and a longer tail, O'Neill said over email. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 June 2022 To stabilize the pre-F conformation, McLellan and his team analyzed the structure of pre-F for mutations that would be maintain the structure maximizing antibody neutralization. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 May 2022 During the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, canines will compete in tests of agility, obedience, dock diving, conformation and more. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 16 Dec. 2021 Still pending Senate conformation is Biden’s nomination of Gigi Sohn, a former FCC staff member and a longtime advocate for open and affordable telecom services, to fill the fifth vacant commissioner seat — which would give Democrats a 3-2 majority. Todd Spangler, Variety, 7 Dec. 2021 The researchers’ follow-up experiments showed that tRNAs could persist in a stable conformation outside both cells and exosomes2. Roxanne Khamsi, Scientific American, 17 June 2020 Binding to this site alters the conformation of the nearby GDP binding site, fixing the GDP in place and permanently locking KRAS in the inactivated position. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 June 2021 Westminster is the nation’s second-longest-running sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, and like the sport of dog conformation itself, it is known for its commitment to tradition. Washington Post, 14 June 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
conformation
noun
con·for·ma·tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər-
: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond
conformation
noun
1
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance an ice sculpture in the conformation of a swan Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- shape
- form
- geometry
- configuration
- fashion
- figure
- profile
- contour
- silhouette
- cast
- design
- outline
- organization
- layout
- pattern
- frame
- shell
- framework
- arrangement
- skeleton
- format
- setup
- plan
- makeup
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- material
- composition
- matter
- substance
- stuff
- raw material
2
as in formation
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized the regular conformation of particles in a crystal Synonyms & Similar Words
- formation
- layout
- format
- configuration
- arrangement
- setup
- design
- structure
- composition
- plan
- setout
- construction
- scheme
- constitution
- build
- makeup
- getup
3
as in adjustment
the act or process of changing something to fit a new use or situation the conformation of their lives to the changing social order Synonyms & Similar Words
- adjustment
- adaptation
- adaption
- alteration
- acclimation
- acclimatization
- transformation
- modification
- conversion
- accommodation
- readjustment
- correction
- harmonization
- revision
- readaptation
- attunement
- makeover
- refit
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- maladaptation