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contour
/ˈkɒn.tʊər/
outline or shape of something
The contour of the mountain range was clearly visible against the sunset.
The mountain range's outline stood out clearly in the sunset.
formal
The outline or general shape of something, especially when representing its 3D form.
The contour lines on the map indicate elevation changes.
The lines on the map show how the land rises and falls.
She traced the contour of his face with her fingertips.
She gently followed the shape of his face with her fingers.
Commonly used in geography, art, and medicine to describe shapes or boundaries.
formal
To shape or mark the outline of something.
The artist contoured the model's cheekbones with light and shadow.
The artist emphasized the model's cheekbones by using light and shadow.
Often used in makeup (e.g., contouring the face) and technical drawing.
Collocations
contour linea line on a map connecting points of equal elevationcontour mapa map showing contour lines to represent terrainfacial contouringmakeup technique to shape and define facial featurescontour intervalthe vertical distance between contour lines on a map
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Visualizing Contours
Think of contour lines like the rings on a tree stump: the closer the lines, the steeper the slope or the more pronounced the shape.
Gold Rule
Contour vs. Outline
An 'outline' is a 2D boundary, while a 'contour' implies a 3D shape or elevation changes. For example, a map's outline shows the country's shape, but contour lines show its terrain.
Word Origin
From Middle English *contour*, from Old French *contour*, from Latin *contornus* ('circular, rounded'), from *contornare* ('to round off'), from *con-* ('together') + *tornus* ('lathe'). The verb sense emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing with 'contour' as a verb in non-technical contexts; it is most natural in art, geography, and makeup. In casual speech, 'outline' is more commonly used.
Word Breakdown
con-
together or with
prefix-tour
from Latin *tornus* ('lathe'), implying circular or rounded shape
rootEnglish Dictionary