outline

An outline is the drawn edge of a shape or image. (noun)

An example of an outline is the taped outline of a body in a crime scene.

An outline is a short or abbreviated version of something. (noun)

To outline is to summarize the main points or to draw the outer edge of something. (verb)

An example of to outline is to write the important details of a planned novel before you write it.
An example of to outline is trace the shape of the cat before filling in the details in a painting.

See outline in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a line bounding the limits of an object, showing its shape; contour line
a sketch showing only the contours of an object without use of shading
a general plan without detail
a summary of a subject, consisting of a systematic listing of its most important points

transitive verb outlined, outlining

Related Forms:

See outline in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(outˈlīnˌ)

noun

a. A line marking the outer contours or boundaries of an object or figure.
b. The shape of an object or figure.
a. A style of drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading.
b. A sketch done in this style.
a. A general description covering the main points of a subject: an outline of American literature.
b. A statement summarizing the important points of a text.
c. A summary of a written work or speech, usually analyzed in headings and subheadings.
A preliminary draft or plan, as of a project or proposal.

transitive verb out·lined, out·lin·ing, out·lines

To draw an outline of.
To display or accentuate the outline of.
To give the main features or various aspects of; summarize: outlined the major provisions of the tax bill.

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