n.
- an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something.
▸
(also contour line)
a line on a map joining points of equal height above or below sea level.
▸a line joining points on a diagram at which some property has the same value.
- a way in which something varies, especially the pitch of music or the pattern of tones in an utterance.
v.
- mould into a specific shape.
-
[usu. as adj. contoured]
mark (a map or diagram) with contours.
- (of a road or railway) follow the outline of (a topographical feature).
Etymology
C17: from Fr., from Ital. contorno, from contornare ‘draw in outline’, from con- ‘together’+ tornare ‘to turn’.