configuration (n.) "external form or shape resulting from the disposition and arrangement of parts," 1550s, from Late Latin configurationem (nominative configuratio), noun of action from past-participle stem of Latin configurare "to fashion after a pattern," from assimilated form of com "with, together" + figurare "to form, shape," from figura "a shape, form, figure" (from PIE root dheigh- "to form, build").