n. Formation as to figure or outline; external conformation; determination to a certain form: as, the figuration of crystals.n. The act or process of figuring; a shaping into form, or a marking or impressing with a figure or figures.n. In music: In strict composition, such as fugue-writing, the introduction of passing-notes into the counterpointn. In general composition, the process, act, or result of rhythmically, melodically, or contrapuntally varying or elaborating a theme by adding passing-notes or accompaniment figures, or even by transforming single tones into florid passagesn. The preparation of a figured bass (which see. under bass).n. In phillol., change in the form of words without change of sense.n. Figurative representation; prefiguration.