contour
contour definition
con·tour (kän′to̵̅o̅r′)
noun
- the outline of a figure, mass, land, etc.
- 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
- to make a contour or outline of
- to mark contour lines on
- to shape or mold to conform to the contour of something a chair contoured to fit the body
- to construct (a road, etc.) in accordance with natural contours
adjective
- made so as to conform to the shape or outline of something contour sheets for a bed
- characterized by the making of furrows along the natural contour lines so as to avoid erosion, as on a hillside contour farming
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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