configuration

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: con=fig=u=ra=tion

CIDE DICTIONARY

configuration, n. [L. configuratio.].

•  Form, as depending on the relative disposition of the parts of a thing; shape; figure.  [1913 Webster]

  "It is the variety of configurations [of the mouth] . . . which gives birth and origin to the several vowels."  [1913 Webster]
•  Relative position or aspect of the planets; the face of the horoscope, according to the relative positions of the planets at any time.  [1913 Webster]

  "They [astrologers] undertook . . . to determine the course of a man's character and life from the configuration of the stars at the moment of his birth."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

configuration, n.
1 a an arrangement of parts or elements in a particular form or figure. b the form, shape, or figure resulting from such an arrangement.
2 Astron. & Astrol. the relative position of planets etc.
3 Psychol. = gestalt.
4 Physics the distribution of electrons among the energy levels of an atom, or of nucleons among the energy levels of a nucleus, as specified by quantum numbers.
5 Chem. the fixed three-dimensional relationship of the atoms in a molecule.
6 Computing a the interrelating or interconnecting of a computer system or elements of it so that it will accommodate a particular specification. b an instance of this.

Derivative

configurational adj. configure v.tr. (in senses 1, 2, 6).

Etymology

LL configuratio f. L configurare (as com-, figurare fashion)

THESAURUS

configuration

Platonic form, Platonic idea, aesthetic form, angle, archetype, aroma, art form, aspect, attribute, badge, brand, build, cachet, cast, character, characteristic, conformation, constellation, contour, cut, delineation, differentia, differential, distinctive feature, earmark, effect, eidolon, facet, fashion, feature, features, figuration, figure, figure-ground, flavor, form, format, formation, frame, framework, genre, gestalt, guise, gust, hallmark, idiocrasy, idiosyncrasy, image, imago, impress, impression, index, individualism, inner form, keynote, layout, light, likeness, lineaments, lines, look, main features, make, makeup, manner, mannerism, mark, marking, matrix, modality, mode, model, mold, nature, odor, outline, particularity, pattern, peculiarity, phase, phasis, profile, property, prototype, quality, quirk, reference, regard, relief, respect, savor, seal, seeming, semblance, set, shape, shapes, side, significant form, silhouette, simulacrum, singularity, skeleton, slant, smack, specialty, stamp, structure, style, taint, tang, taste, token, total effect, tournure, trait, trick, turn, twist, type, view, viewpoint, wise

ROGET THESAURUS

configuration

Form

N form, figure, shape, conformation, configuration, make, formation, frame, construction, cut, set, build, trim, cut of one's jib, stamp, type, cast, mold, fashion, contour, structure, plasmature, feature, lineament, turn, phase, posture, attitude, pose, morphism, isomorphism, forming, formation, figuration, efformation, sculpture, plasmation, formed, plastic, fictile, formative, fluid, plasmic, isomorphous, pleomorphic, protean, changeable.