CONTOUR

shape, form, configuration, contour, conformation

(noun) any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline); “he could barely make out their shapes”

contour

(noun) 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”

contour, contour line

(noun) a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height

contour

(verb) form the contours of

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

contour (plural contours)

An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.

A line on a map or chart delineating those points which have the same altitude or other plotted quantity: a contour line or isopleth.

Synonym: contour line

(linguistics) a speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.

Hyponyms: diphthong, contour tone, affricate

Verb

contour (third-person singular simple present contours, present participle contouring, simple past and past participle contoured)

(transitive) To form a more or less curved boundary or border upon.

(transitive) To mark with contour lines.

(intransitive) To practise the makeup technique of contouring.

Anagrams

• cornuto, countor, crouton, croûton

Source: Wiktionary

Con*tour", n. Etym: [F. contour, fr. contourner to mark the outlines; con- + tourner to turn. See Turn.]

1. The outline of a figure or body, or the line or lines representing such an outline; the line that bounds; periphery. Titian's coloring and contours. A. Drummond.

2. (Mil.)

Definition: The outline of a horizontal section of the ground, or of works of fortification. Contour feathers (Zoöl.), those feathers that form the general covering of a bird.

– Contour of ground (Surv.), the outline of the surface of ground with respect to its undulation, etc.

– Contour line (Topographical Suv.), the line in which a horizontal plane intersects a portion of ground, or the corresponding line in a map or chart.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition