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.
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- (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’.
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contour