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Glite Dictionary
conformation

conformation

4 7.0
How the parts of something are put together to make its shape
  • noun
  • /ˌkɒn.fərˈmeɪ.ʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : conformación
  • A trained and experienced evaluator assessed carcass conformation by automatic visual-image carcass assessment equipment.
  • conformation traits
  • carcass conformation
  • body conformation

Examples

  • We first determined individual conformation to overall group patterns.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Analyses of individual conformation to the group's pattern are provided in Table 3.

    Academic text (2012)

  • I can pick out the best bird by his conformation, His bone structure.

    Cockfighter (1974)

  • Type is the word used literally to describe an animal in terms of conformation.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The spotted hyena, the ranking predator of wildebeests, has a similar conformation.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The conformation of the building was designed to maximize natural light and airflow.

  • In horse breeding, conformation refers to the physical structure and appearance that influence performance.

  • The scientist studied the conformation of the protein to understand its function.

Synonyms

form
vsconformation
839 1.3

The visible shape or structure of something

focuses more on internal arrangement defining overall look rather than mere appearance
structure
vsconformation
790 3.5

How parts are arranged in a system like a society or text

stresses visible outer form as shaped by that internal arrangement
shape
vsconformation
475 1.0

The visible form of a thing or person

emphasizes the internal arrangement that determines the outer outline
configuration
vsconformation
107 4.8

How parts are arranged in something, like furniture or a machine

focuses on the resulting outer form and overall organization rather than only the setup
contour
vsconformation
21 4.5

Shape or outline of something that shows its main parts

refers more to whole internal arrangement and structural makeup than just the edge

Antonyms

deformation
  • Specialized
7 5.9

A change in the shape of an object that makes it look or work worse

How Complex

architecture
  • Specialized
41 5.1
structure
790 3.5
conformation
  • Specialized
4 7.0
shape
475 1.0
outline
65 2.7

Surface Forms

conformation singular
conformations plural

Morphology

conformation = conform (semi-transparent) = con + form + ation

Formed from 'conform' + '-ation'; the components are visible, but the modern sense 'shape or structure' is a specialized shift from the common sense of 'conform' (to comply), so learners may not predict the exact meaning.

Etymology

Conformation comes from Latin parts con- meaning 'together' and formare meaning 'to form', and it shares the same root as the common word form. So conformation is the way parts are put together to make a shape, which is why people check a horse's conformation or a molecule's conformation.