[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]