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Contour definition

kŏnto͝or
contouring contours
See word origin
Frequency:
To make or shape the outline of; represent in contour.
verb
6
2
Shaped to fit the outline or form of something.

A contour sheet.

adjective
4
0
To shape or mold to conform to the contour of something.

A chair contoured to fit the body.

verb
3
0
The general shape or form of a figure, configuration, etc.

The rounded contours of the foothills.

noun
2
0
The outline of such a shape.
noun
2
0
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To make a contour or outline of.
verb
2
0
To mark contour lines on.
verb
2
0
(linguistics) The distinctive rising and falling patterns of pitch, tone, or stress.
noun
1
0
To construct (a road, etc.) in accordance with natural contours.
verb
1
0
Made so as to conform to the shape or outline of something.

Contour sheets for a bed.

adjective
1
0
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Characterized by the making of furrows along the natural contour lines so as to avoid erosion, as on a hillside.

Contour farming.

adjective
1
0
To build (a road, for example) to follow the contour of the land.
verb
1
1
Following the contour lines of uneven terrain to limit erosion of topsoil.

Contour plowing.

adjective
1
1
The definition of contour is the outline of something, such as of a social or geographic boundary.

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.

noun
0
0
A contour line.
noun
0
0
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The outline of a figure, body, or mass.
noun
0
0
A line that represents such an outline.
noun
0
0
A varying characteristic or quality of something, such as a melody.
noun
0
0
An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.

The low drag contour of a modern automobile.

noun
0
0
A line on a map or chart delineating those points which have the same altitude or other plotted quantity: a contour line or isopleth.
noun
0
0
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(linguistics) A speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.
noun
0
0

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
contour
Plural:
contours

Origin of contour

  • French alteration (influenced by tour turn) of Italian contorno from contornare to draw in outline Latin com- intensive pref. com– Latin tornāre to round off (from tornus lathe) (from Greek tornos terə-1 in Indo-European roots)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Wiktionary

Contour Sentence Examples

  • The contour lines showing the heights above sea-level are the directions along which species spread to form zones.

  • The sleek contour of the vase was eye-catching, so Brenda decided to purchase it.

  • The coasts of the Pacific are of varied contour.

  • The only true mountain systems, however, so far as known, are the two parallel ranges which follow the contour of the coast, and the central, or Goyana, system.

  • In the ao-Bizen (blu Bizen), as well as in the red variety, figures of mythical beings ant animals, birds, fishes and other natural objects, were modelled witl a degree of plastic ability that can scarcely be spoken of in too higi terms. Representative specimens are truly admirableevery line, every contour faithful.

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Words near contour in the Dictionary