contour
noun /ˈkɒntʊə(r)/
/ˈkɑːntʊr/
- the outer edges of something; the outline of its shape or form
- The road follows the natural contours of the coastline.
- She traced the contours of his face with her finger.
- (also contour line)a line on a map that joins points that are the same height above sea level
- a contour map (= a map that includes these lines)
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian contorno, from contornare ‘draw in outline’, from con- ‘together’+ tornare ‘to turn’.