Definition

1. Noun:

   • The outline or shape of something, especially when considered in terms of its curves or lines: "contour" refers to the distinctive form or surface configuration of an object, landform, or figure.
   • A line on a map joining points of equal height above a given level, such as sea level: In cartography, a "contour" is a line representing constant elevation.
   • A general structure or pattern: "Contour" can describe the overall shape or progression of something abstract, like an argument, a melody, or a situation.

2. Verb:

   • To shape or form the outline of something: To "contour" means to mold, carve, or design the curves and lines of an object or surface.
   • To mark (a map or diagram) with contour lines: To draw lines connecting points of equal value (e.g., elevation, pressure).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The artist carefully studied the gentle contour of the hills against the sky.
  • On the topographic map, each contour represents a change of ten meters in elevation.
  • The political analyst discussed the changing contour of international relations.

• Verb:

  • The landscaper will contour the garden to create a more natural, flowing appearance.
  • The map was contoured to show the depth of the ocean floor.

Advanced Usage

• "Contour line": A specific line on a map or chart connecting points of equal value.

  • The contour lines were very close together, indicating a steep cliff.

• "Contour map": A map illustrated with contour lines.

  • Hikers always check the contour map to understand the terrain's difficulty.

• "Contour drawing": In art, a drawing that consists only of lines defining the edges and surface ridges of a subject.

  • The exercise focused on contour drawing to improve hand-eye coordination.

Variants and Related Words

• Contoured (adj): Shaped with curves or contours.

  • The chair had a contoured seat for extra comfort.

• Contouring (n): The act or technique of shaping contours. Also refers to a makeup technique using light and dark shades to define facial structure.

  • The contouring of the land prevented flooding.
  • She learned the art of makeup contouring.

Synonyms

• Outline (n): The line that defines the outer shape.
• Profile (n): The outline of something as seen from the side.
• Shape (n): The external form or appearance.
• Form (n): The visible shape or configuration.
• Relief (n): The variations in elevation of a land surface.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

(Note: "Contour" is not commonly used in phrasal verbs. Its verbal use is typically transitive.) - To contour to: To shape or mold something to fit the form of another. - The seat is designed to contour to the body.

Related Idioms

• "Lay of the land": This idiom relates to understanding the physical or figurative contours of a situation.
  • Before starting the new project, she took a week to understand the lay of the land.

Noun

1. a feature (or the order or arrangement of features) of anything having a complex structure
   • the contours of the melody
   • it defines a major contour of this administration
2. any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
   • he could barely make out their shapes
3. a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height

Verb

1. form the contours of