contour
contour Lexical Profile
contour Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An outline or bounding line, especially a curving or irregular one, that defines the outer shape or surface form of something.
"The sculptor carefully traced the subtle contours of the model's face in clay."
A line on a topographic map or chart joining points of equal elevation or depth above or below a specific reference level.
"Closely spaced contours on the hiking map indicated a steep cliff along the eastern ridge."
The general configuration, structure, or characteristic features of an abstract concept, situation, or phonetic pitch pattern (usually used in the plural).
"Historians are still debating the broad contours of post-war economic policy."
• verb
To mold, shape, or fashion something so that it follows a curving outline or fits a specific form.
"The car seats are ergonomically contoured to support the driver's lower back."
To shade and highlight areas of the face with cosmetics in order to define or enhance its natural bone structure.
"The makeup artist used a matte bronzer to contour her cheekbones before the photoshoot."
To mark a map or diagram with contour lines, or to construct a road or furrow along the natural elevation lines of a slope.
"Farmers contoured the hillside fields to reduce soil erosion during heavy rains."
• adjective
Shaped or fitted to follow the natural curves or outline of a body, surface, or object.
"She bought a set of contour sheets that fit snugly over the thick mattress."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French contour, from Italian contorno, derived from contornare ('to draw in outline'), ultimately from Latin com- ('together') and tornus ('lathe', from Ancient Greek tornos).