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
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
Since the pliable phase has fewer possible configurations, it has less entropy.
The Shape-Shifting Squeeze Coolers|Marcus Woo|August 24, 2020|Quanta Magazine
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 Magazine
For 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 News
This 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 Hub
He proposed a model of the solar system that based the distances between planetary orbits on a particular configuration of the five solids.
The Two Forms of Mathematical Beauty|Robbert Dijkgraaf|June 16, 2020|Quanta Magazine
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|DAILY BEAST
Several will retire and be replaced -- and even one replacement could fundamentally change the configuration of the court.
Will the Court Shift Under the Next President?|Megan McArdle|November 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Saturn in Libra joins in a Grand Cross configuration by Friday.
Horoscopes: May 29-June 4, 2011|Starsky + Cox|May 28, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Peptides provide a cheese with its distinct flavor, based on the configuration of these amino-acid chains.
Why We Love Stinky Cheese|Stacey Slate|January 14, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In Lower Normandy the topography and configuration change completely.
Rambles in Normandy|Francis Miltoun
The configuration of the Maine coast to the northeast further increases this to fifteen or twenty feet rise at Eastport.
America, Volume 5 (of 6)|Joel Cook
When they had crossed, the configuration of the ice forced them to adopt a route which they would willingly have avoided.
Rivers of Ice|R.M. Ballantyne
He refers to the greater and more permanent agencies which affect the configuration of our planet.
The Story of the Herschels|Anonymous
It is quite clear that these are sensations excited in us by the configuration of parts, but extent is not a sensation.
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 2 (of 10)|Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)
British Dictionary definitions for configuration
configuration
/ (kənˌfɪɡjʊˈreɪʃən) /
noun
the arrangement of the parts of something
the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement
physicschem
Also called: conformationthe 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
psycholthe unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists
computingthe particular choice of hardware items and their interconnection that make up a particular computer system