contour

Everyday

1. A contour is the outline or shape of something, especially its curves, like the contour of a face or a coastline. tree →
2. On a map, a contour (contour line) is a line joining places that are the same height above sea level. tree →
3. (verb) To contour means to shape something to fit a curve, or (make-up) to use darker and lighter make-up to shape the face. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons, contour lines on maps show hills and valleys: lines close together mean a steep slope, lines far apart mean gentle ground. In art lessons, contour drawing traces the outline of an object. Phrases: «contour lines», «contour map», «the contours of».

Examples

• The contour lines are very close here, so the hill is steep. tree →
• Each contour on the map is 10 metres higher than the one below. tree →
• She traced the contour of the leaf with a pencil. tree →
• The car seat is contoured to fit your back. tree →
• We could see the contour of the mountains against the sunset. tree →
• A contour map shows the shape of the land. tree →
• In art we drew a contour drawing without lifting the pencil. tree →
• Hebe is represented as a comely, modest maiden, small, of a beautifully rounded contour, with nut-brown tresses and sparkling eyes. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Pronounced «KON-toor». In maths and map work, contour intervals tell the height difference between lines; count the lines and multiply by the interval to find a height difference.