First Known Use: 1662
Dictionary
1contour
noun con·tour \ˈkän-ˌtu̇r\
: the outline or outer edge of something
Full Definition of CONTOUR
1
: an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure : shape; also : the line representing this outline
2
: the general form or structure of something : characteristic —often used in plural <contours of a melody>
3
: a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech
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Origin of CONTOUR
French, from Italian contorno, from contornare to round off, from Medieval Latin, to turn around, from Latin com- + tornare to turn on a lathe — more at turn
Related to CONTOUR
- Synonyms
- outline, figure, silhouette
Synonym Discussion of CONTOUR
outline, contour, profile, silhouette mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass <traced the outline of his hand>. contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled <a car with flowing contours>. profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background <a portrait of her face in profile>. silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined <photograph in silhouette against a bright sky>.
Rhymes with CONTOUR
abjure, adjure, Adour, allure, amour, Ashur, assure, brochure, ceinture, cocksure, coiffure, conjure, couture, demure, detour, dirt-poor, endure, ensure, faubourg, for sure, Fraktur, grandeur, gravure, guipure, hachure, immure, impure, insure, inure, kultur, land-poor, langur, ligure, manure, mature, mohur, obscure, parure, perdure, procure, rondure, secure, siddur, tambour, tandoor, tenure, Uighur, unmoor, velour, velure
2contour
adjective
Definition of CONTOUR
1
: following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them <contour flooding> <contour farming>
2
: made to fit the contour of something <a contour couch> <contour sheets>
First Known Use of CONTOUR
1844
3contour
verb
Definition of CONTOUR
transitive verb
1
a : to shape the contour of b : to shape so as to fit contours
2
: to construct (as a road) in conformity to a contour
First Known Use of CONTOUR
1871
Other Civil Engineering Terms
CONTOUR Defined for Kids
contour
noun con·tour \ˈkän-ˌtu̇r\
Definition of CONTOUR for Kids
: the outline of a figure, body, or surface <the contour of the coastline>
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