contour

[ kon-toor ]

noun

1. the outline of a figure or body; the edge or line that defines or bounds a shape or object.

   Synonyms: boundary, form, configuration

2. contour line.
3. Phonetics. a distinctive pattern of changes in pitch, stress, or tone extending across all or part of an utterance, especially across a sentence, and contributing to meaning.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark with contour lines.
2. to make or form the contour or outline of.
3. to build (a road, railroad track, etc.) in conformity with the contour of the land.
4. to mold or shape so as to fit a certain configuration:

   cars with seats that are contoured for comfort.

5. to apply foundation and bronzer along the natural bone structure of (the face) to create definition:

   ways to contour your nose.

adjective

1. molded or shaped to fit a particular contour or form:

   contour seats.

2. Agriculture. of or used in a system of plowing, cultivating, sowing, etc., along the contour lines of the land in order to trap water runoff and prevent erosion.

contour

/ ˈkɒntʊə /

noun

1. the outline of a mass of land, figure, or body; a defining line
2. 1. See contour line
   2. ( as modifier )

      a contour map

3. often plural the shape or surface, esp of a curving form

   the contours of her body were full and round

4. modifier shaped to fit the form of something

   a contour chair

5. a rising and falling variation pattern, as in music and intonation

verb

1. to shape so as to form the contour of something
2. to mark contour lines on
3. to construct (a road, railway, etc) to follow the outline of the land

Other Words From

• re·con·tour verb (used with object)
• un·con·toured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contour¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from French, equivalent to con- + tour “a turn,” modeled on Italian contorno, derivative of contornare “to outline”; con-, tour, turn

Word History and Origins

Origin of contour¹

C17: from French, from Italian contorno, from contornare to sketch, from tornare to turn

Example Sentences

A week after Donald Trump won a second-term in the White House, the contours of his new presidency have started taking shape.

From BBC

But the contours of the central contest feel sharper now.

From BBC

While DeSantis was bogged down with official duties in Florida, Trump moved early to define the contours of the campaign, Lanza said.

From BBC

“Something about sports fans gathered together in the wrong city exaggerates the contours of the identity they share,” I wrote, brilliantly.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s armed with lock pick keys known as jigglers, with multiple contours that can spring a lock open.

From BBC

Related Words

• curve
• silhouette