permutation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an event in which one thing is substituted for another
    replacement; transposition; switch; substitution.
    • the replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood
  2. noun the act of changing the arrangement of a given number of elements
  3. noun complete change in character or condition
    • the permutations...taking place in the physical world"- Henry Miller
  4. noun act of changing the lineal order of objects in a group

WordNet

Per`mu*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. permutatio: cf. F. permutation. See Permute.
Definitions
  1. The act of permuting; exchange of the thing for another; mutual transference; interchange.
    The violent convulsions and permutations that have been made in property. Burke.
  2. (Math.) (a) The arrangement of any determinate number of things, as units, objects, letters, etc., in all possible orders, one after the other; -- called also alternation. Cf. Combination, n., 4. (b) Any one of such possible arrangements.
  3. (Law) Barter; exchange.

Webster 1913