1510s, "act of adjusting or bringing into conformity," from Latin conformationem (nominative conformatio) "a symmetrical forming," noun of action from past participle stem of conformare "to fashion, to form, to shape; educate; modify," from assimilated form of com "together" (see con-) + formare "to form" (see form (v.)). Meaning "manner in which a body is formed" is from 1640s.
