Contour

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈkɒn.tʊər/ (British), /ˈkɑːn.tʊr/ (American)

Phonetic: KON-toor

Definitions

• (Noun) The outline or shape of a figure, object, or surface.
• (Noun) A line on a map that connects points of equal elevation.
• (Verb) To shape or mold into a specific form.

Usage Examples

• "The artist carefully traced the contour of the landscape."
• "The contour lines on the map indicate changes in elevation."
• "She contoured her face with makeup to enhance her features."

Etymology

From French ‘contour’, derived from Latin ‘contornare’ meaning ‘to turn around’.

Synonyms

• Outline
• Shape
• Profile
• Configuration

Antonyms

• Disorder
• Disarrangement

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈkɒn.tʊər/
• American English: /ˈkɑːn.tʊr/

Historical Usage

The term ‘contour’ has been used in art, cartography, and topography for centuries to describe shapes and boundaries.

Cultural Nuances

In makeup and fashion, 'contouring' refers to the technique of using shading to enhance or define features.

More Information

Contour maps are widely used in geography to represent elevation changes, while the term is also significant in design and aesthetics.