[syn: shape, form, configuration, contour, conformation]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Configuration \Con*fig`u*ra"tion\, n. [L. configuratio.]
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. --Harris.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Astrol.) 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. --Whewell.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
configuration
n 1: an arrangement of parts or elements; "the outcome depends
on the configuration of influences at the time" [syn:
configuration, constellation]
2: any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
"he could barely make out their shapes" [syn: shape,
form, configuration, contour, conformation]
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:
123 Moby Thesaurus words for "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