contour Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
    contour line.
  2. noun any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
    shape; configuration; form; conformation.
    • he could barely make out their shapes
  3. noun a feature (or the order or arrangement of features) of anything having a complex structure
    • the contours of the melody
    • it defines a major contour of this administration
  4. verb form the contours of

WordNet

Con*tour" noun
Etymology
F. contour, fr. contourner to mark the outlines; con- + tourner to turn. See Turn.
Definitions
  1. The outline of a figure or body, or the line or lines representing such an outline; the line that bounds; periphery.
    Titian's coloring and contours. A. Drummond.
  2. (Mil.) The outline of a horizontal section of the ground, or of works of fortification.

Webster 1913