contour

The definition of contour is the outline of something, such as of a social or geographic boundary.

(noun)

Behaviors that are within the bounds of what is socially acceptable are examples of behaviors that fit within the contours of society.
The outline of the mountains seen in the distance is an example of the contour of the mountains.

See contour in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Origin: 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

See contour in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The outline of a figure, body, or mass.
b. A line that represents such an outline. See Synonyms at form, outline.
A surface, especially of a curving form. Often used in the plural.
A contour line.
Linguistics The distinctive rising and falling patterns of pitch, tone, or stress.

transitive verb con·toured, con·tour·ing, con·tours

adjective

Following the contour lines of uneven terrain to limit erosion of topsoil: contour plowing.
Shaped to fit the outline or form of something: a contour sheet.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , alteration (influenced by tour, turn)

Origin: of Italian contorno

Origin: , from contornare, to draw in outline

Origin: : Latin com-, intensive pref.; see com-

Origin: + Latin tornāre, to round off (from tornus, lathe, from Greek tornos; see terə-¹ in Indo-European roots)

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