conformation

noun

con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce conformation (audio)
-fər-
1
: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation
2
: formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements : an assembling into a whole
the gradual conformation of the embryo
3
a
: correspondence especially to a model or plan
b
c
: the shape or proportionate dimensions especially of an animal
d
: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond
conformational
ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shnəl How to pronounce conformation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-fər-
adjective

Examples of conformation in a Sentence

The dogs will be judged on conformation tomorrow. an ice sculpture in the conformation of a swan
Recent Examples on the Web All cells have lots of adjustable pieces in their cytoskeletons and gene regulatory networks that can be set in different conformations and can inform behavior later on. Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2020 Another set of antibodies that uses conformation locking is the camelid nanobodies described in 2021. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 Lo Presti says this design has several strengths, including the conformation of the sensor to the user’s body. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Nov. 2020 Infection is prevented if the receptor-binding domain is locked in the down conformation. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 During the largest dog show in North America, canines will compete in tests of agility, obedience, dock diving, conformation and more. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 29 Nov. 2021 If Farrah and co are correct, then observational conformation of their idea should begin trickling in over the next few months and years. Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2023 Highlights include all-breed conformation show, rare breeds show, obedience and rally trials. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2023 Brown’s conformation has a special meaning for Black female judges. Dallas News, 7 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conformation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conformation was in 1511

Dictionary Entries Near conformation

Cite this Entry

“Conformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conformation

noun
con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce conformation (audio)
-fər-
1
: the act of conforming or producing conformity : adaptation
2
: a shaping or putting into form
3
b
: the form or outline especially of an animal

Medical Definition

conformation

noun
con·​for·​ma·​tion ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər- How to pronounce conformation (audio)
: any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond
conformational adjective
conformationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conformation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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