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. configurational adj. configure v.tr. (in senses 1, 2, 6).
[ LL configuratio f. L configurare (as com-, figurare fashion) ]