The DICT Development Group

  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]

  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]

  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