Contour: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ณ
Add to dictionary

contour

 

[ หˆkษ’n.tสŠษ™r ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

shape outline

A contour refers to the outline or shape of an object. It captures the outer boundary that defines a specific form, whether in drawing, design, or in geographical landscapes.

Synonyms

outline, profile, shape

Examples of usage

  • The artist traced the contour of the mountain.
  • The dress designer focused on the contours of the human body.
  • The map showed the contours of the terrain.
Context #2 | Verb

define shape

To contour means to shape or mold something, often in a way that follows the outline or form of a surface. In makeup, it involves using darker shades to create shadows on the face.

Synonyms

form, mold, shape

Examples of usage

  • She learned how to contour her face for a more defined look.
  • The sculptor contoured the clay to resemble the desired figure.
  • He contoured the edges of the design in his architectural plan.

Translations

Translations of the word "contour" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น contorno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ‡เค–เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kontur

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kontur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝั‚ัƒั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kontur

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ผช้ƒญ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contour

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contorno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kontur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œค๊ณฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุท

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obrys

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ obrys

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝฎๅป“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kontur

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sniรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะฝั‚ัƒั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kontur

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ contorno

Etymology

The word 'contour' originates from the Latin word 'contourus,' which means 'to draw together'โ€”composed of 'con' meaning 'together' and 'tornare,' meaning 'to turn.' This essence of shaping or turning into a specific form gradually evolved into its modern usage in the 19th century, particularly in art and design contexts. Initially used predominantly in painting and drafting, the term extended into various fields, including makeup artistry and fashion, highlighting its versatile usage. The relationship to 'turning' emphasizes the dynamic nature of contouring as it relates to defining shapes and outlines in physical and visual expressions.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,434 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.