1. configuration(n = noun.cognition) constellation - an arrangement of parts or elements; "the outcome depends on the configuration of influences at the time"
is a kind of design, plan
has particulars: redundancy, network topology, topology, chunking, unitisation, unitization
Derived form verb configure1
2. configuration(n = noun.attribute) conformation, contour, form, shape - any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline); "he could barely make out their shapes"
is a kind of spatial property, spatiality
has particulars: keenness, sharpness, bluntness, dullness, topography, lobularity, concaveness, concavity, convexity, convexness, angularity, narrowing, curvature, curve, roundness, straightness, crookedness, stratification
1. 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]
2. 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]
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)
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.