configuration
noun
con·fig·u·ra·tion
kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən 
ˌkän-,
-gə-ˈrā-
1
a
: relative arrangement of parts or elements: such as
(1)
: shape
(2)
: contour of land
configuration of the mountains
(3)
: functional arrangement
a small business computer system in its simplest configuration
b
: something (such as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components
c
: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2
: gestalt
personality configuration
configurationally
adverb
Did you know?
The term is very common in computer science and mathematics, and in scientific and technological fields in general. Thus, for example, two scientists won a 1962 Nobel Prize for their description of the configuration of the DNA molecule. Since then, researchers have studied what different configurations within the DNA strands mean and what they control, and genetic engineers have tried to configure or reconfigure DNA in new ways to prevent or treat diseases.
Synonyms
Examples of configuration in a Sentence
We'll have to change the configuration of the system to accommodate the new server.
the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome
Recent Examples on the Web
The Windows and macOS editions include a Social Network Privacy scanner that checks for configuration problems in Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).
—
PCMAG, 3 Feb. 2025
New sounds: Check out these new musical instruments The standard configuration of the symphony orchestra has remained mostly unchanged for the past century.
—David Morgan, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025
The 106-foot-long jetliner can hold up to 78 passengers, depending on the seat configuration, according to a brochure from the company.
—Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
The Pitt has offered up several different mentor/mentee configurations to compare, and watching Samira and Heather interact in this episode has been a good addition to the mix.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for configuration 
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PCMAG, 3 Feb. 2025
New sounds: Check out these new musical instruments The standard configuration of the symphony orchestra has remained mostly unchanged for the past century.
—David Morgan, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025
The 106-foot-long jetliner can hold up to 78 passengers, depending on the seat configuration, according to a brochure from the company.
—Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
The Pitt has offered up several different mentor/mentee configurations to compare, and watching Samira and Heather interact in this episode has been a good addition to the mix.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for configuration
Dictionary Entries Near configuration
Cite this Entry
“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configuration. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
configuration
noun
con·fig·u·ra·tion
kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən
kän-
: arrangement of parts or the pattern produced by such arrangement
Medical Definition
configuration
noun
con·fig·u·ra·tion
kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkän-
1
a
: relative arrangement of parts or elements
b
: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2
: gestalt
personality configuration
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