English Explanatory Dictionary

contour

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.
  2. A line on a map or chart delineating those points which have the same altitude or other plotted quantity: a contour line or isopleth; (metonymically) the landform or its surface.
  3. a speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.
  4. A general description giving the most important points.
verb
  1. To form a more or less curved boundary or border upon.
  2. To mark with contour lines.
  3. To practise the makeup technique of contouring.
  4. To shape conditions regarding salient points.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒntɔː(ɹ)/ /ˈkɒntʊə(ɹ)/ /ˈkɑntɔɹ/ /ˈkɑntʊɚ/ /ˈkɑntʊɹ/ en-us-contour.ogg /ˈkɔntʉːə/ /ˈkɒntʉːə/

Word forms

contour contours contouring contoured

Etymology

Borrowed from French contour, from contourner, equivalent to con- + tour.

Synonyms

contour line

Derived words

contourable contour chase contour diaper contour feather contour integral contour interval contourite contourless contourlet contour map executive contour isocontour recontour

Translations

Spanish: contornear Spanish: contornar
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