noun

1. the outline of a figure, mass, land, etc.
2. the representation of such an outline

Etymology: Fr < It contorno < LL contornare, to go around < L com-, intens. + tornare, to turn in a lathe: see turn

transitive verb

1. to make a contour or outline of
2. to mark contour lines on
3. to shape or mold to conform to the contour of something a chair contoured to fit the body
4. to construct (a road, etc.) in accordance with natural contours

adjective

1. made so as to conform to the shape or outline of something contour sheets for a bed
2. characterized by the making of furrows along the natural contour lines so as to avoid erosion, as on a hillside contour farming