contour
pronunciation
How to pronounce contour in British English:
UK [ˈkɒntʊə(r)]
How to pronounce contour in American English:
US [ˈkɑːntʊr]
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- Noun:
- a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
- any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
- a feature (or the order or arrangement of features) of anything having a complex structure
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- Verb:
- form the contours of
Word Origin
- contour (n.)
- 1660s, a term in painting and sculpture, from French contour "circumference, outline," from Italian and Medieval Latin contornare "to go around," from Latin com-, intensive prefix (see com-), + tornare "to turn (on a lathe);" see turn (v.). First recorded application to topography is from 1769. Earlier the word was used to mean "bedspread, quilt" (early 15c.) in reference to its falling over the sides of the mattress. Related: Contoured. Contour line in geography is from 1844.
Example
- 1. Most page elements have a boxy contour , so this variation will create some unique contrast .
- 2. While shapes are mostly defined by a contrast between elements , they 're also defined by their contour , or edge .
- 3. Apple 's solution intends to use a combination of flexible oled display technology and piezoelectric actuators that would actually alter the contour of your screen .
- 4. Sadly , after over twenty years have passed since the war ended , many can still only vaguely see the contour of that door as if looking through a veil of mist .
- 5. Skin cancers often arise in this area , because of a person 's lifetime exposure to the sun , and it is often not possible simply to sew up the hole in the skin after cutting a cancer out , since doing so can easily distort the contour of the eye .