con
tour
Plural
contours
1
the external shape, outline, or surface configuration of an object or figure
- The artist traced the contour of her subject's face.
- The car's sleek contours improved its aerodynamics.
- She admired the graceful contour of the sculpture.
- The dress hugged the natural contours of her body.
- The contour of the coastline was jagged and irregular.
Synonyms:
2
a line on a topographic map that connects points of equal elevation, used to represent the shape and elevation of the terrain
- The contour lines showed a steep incline up the mountain.
- Hikers used the map's contour lines to plan their route.
- Closely spaced contour lines indicate a sharp slope.
- The valley was clearly outlined by the contour lines.
- The map includes contour intervals of 10 meters.
Synonyms:
3
the overall configuration or pattern of elements in a complex system, often used metaphorically to describe structure or flow
- The contour of the argument revealed its underlying logic.
- He studied the contour of the melody before composing the harmony.
- The novel's emotional contour shifted dramatically in the final chapters.
- Analysts examined the contour of the political landscape.
- The contour of the speech built toward a powerful conclusion.