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Configuration is a word with usage in astronomy, organic chemistry, psychology, physics, computing and everyday life. The Oxford English Dictionary records its first usage as taking place in 1646.
Arrangement
Configuration refers to the arrangement of things, parts of things, or elements in a particular form, figure, shape, etc. For example, the configuration of the math problem was such that it couldn't be solved.
Position
In astronomy configuration is the relative position, apparent or actual, of planets or other celestial bodies. The configuration of our solar system, for example, places the sun at the center, and the planets orbiting around it.
Structure
In organic chemistry, it is the structure of compounds that is fixed by the chemical bonding in a molecule and cannot be altered without breaking the bonds.
Design
When referring to computers, the word configuration denotes the whole or totality of the computer and the devices connected to it. A common personal computer configuration includes a monitor, disk drive and printer.
Perception
In Gestalt psychology, a school of psychology which calls perceptions and reactions Gestalts, a configuration is an object of perception that forms a specific whole or unity incapable of expression simply in terms of its parts. For example, a melody derived from individual notes is a configuration.
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