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
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
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.
• cornuto, countor, crouton, croĂ»ton
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
23 February 2025
(noun) an advantageous purchase; “she got a bargain at the auction”; “the stock was a real buy at that price”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.
