contour

Meaning

Noun

1. An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.
2. A line on a map or chart delineating those points which have the same altitude or other plotted quantity: a contour line or isopleth; (metonymically) the landform or its surface.
3. a speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.
4. (figuratively) A general description giving the most important points.

Verb

1. (transitive) To form a more or less curved boundary or border upon.
2. (transitive) To mark with contour lines.
3. (intransitive) To practise the makeup technique of contouring.
4. (figuratively) To shape conditions regarding salient points.

Synonyms

outline

shape

profile

form

configuration

contour line

silhouette

figure

circumference

circuit

conformation

isoline

level curve

appearance

periphery

feature

features

figuration

girth

hem

involution

line

perimeter

plane figure

precinct

ridge

rim

rough sketch

round

side view

sketch

stature

template

form line

tour

trickiness

turn

twirl

external form

isogram

posture

isarithm

isohypse

isoneph

visible line

skeleton line

object-line

cambered surface

constant value line

magnitude contours

Translations

contour

contorno

contorno

Kontur

Umriss

contorno

Umriß

Höhenlinie

omtrek

omlijning

γύρος

περιφέρεια

profilo

contorn

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɒntʊə(ɹ)/

Etymology

Borrowed from French contour, from contourner, equivalent to con- + tour.