contour line
noun
: a line (as on a map) connecting the points on a land surface that have the same elevation
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web No one annihilates the contour line more effectively, so what seems blurry and incomprehensible demands a close look. 
Brian T. Allen, National Review, 26 Feb. 2022 For sheer rhythmic movement, delicacy of contour line and limpid grace in form and texture, there is nothing to approach this piece. Harish Pullanoor, Quartz India, 18 Dec. 2019 The workshop included instruction on everything from interpreting contour lines on a topographic map to how to adjust a compass to orient it to true north. Richard A. Marini, ExpressNews.com, 13 Oct. 2019 The brand decked out its popular midcushion Launch 5 road shoe with a graphic of rope coils, nautical chart contour lines, anchors, and the aforementioned lobstahs. Ariella Gintzler, Outside Online, 11 Apr. 2018 The next image shows the incredible pressure gradient (change in pressure over distance, revealed by contour lines called isobars). Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2018 Topographic maps, which hikers use, typically show major highways, trails, waterways, vegetation (such as forests and meadows) and contour lines that depict elevation. Jenny Rough, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2017 The Unisphere, a stainless steel globe with contour lines denoting elevation and crossed rings to suggest orbiting rockets, was built for the 1964 World’s Fair as a hopeful monument to unity, humanity, and space travel. Rahel Aima, New Republic, 23 Oct. 2017 The canvases were heavily influenced by Japanese art, including the flatness of the color with bold contour lines. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 11 Aug. 2017 See More
Brian T. Allen, National Review, 26 Feb. 2022 For sheer rhythmic movement, delicacy of contour line and limpid grace in form and texture, there is nothing to approach this piece. Harish Pullanoor, Quartz India, 18 Dec. 2019 The workshop included instruction on everything from interpreting contour lines on a topographic map to how to adjust a compass to orient it to true north. Richard A. Marini, ExpressNews.com, 13 Oct. 2019 The brand decked out its popular midcushion Launch 5 road shoe with a graphic of rope coils, nautical chart contour lines, anchors, and the aforementioned lobstahs. Ariella Gintzler, Outside Online, 11 Apr. 2018 The next image shows the incredible pressure gradient (change in pressure over distance, revealed by contour lines called isobars). Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2018 Topographic maps, which hikers use, typically show major highways, trails, waterways, vegetation (such as forests and meadows) and contour lines that depict elevation. Jenny Rough, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2017 The Unisphere, a stainless steel globe with contour lines denoting elevation and crossed rings to suggest orbiting rockets, was built for the 1964 World’s Fair as a hopeful monument to unity, humanity, and space travel. Rahel Aima, New Republic, 23 Oct. 2017 The canvases were heavily influenced by Japanese art, including the flatness of the color with bold contour lines. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 11 Aug. 2017 See More Word History
First Known Use
1844, in the meaning defined above