Contours
/ˈkɒntʊrz/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe outline of a figure, body, or surface; the external boundary or shape of something.
/ˈkɒntʊrz/
An outline or boundary of a figure or body.
The artist carefully followed the contours of the statue.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a picture. The contours are the lines that show the shape, like the edge of a person's face or the side of a mountain.
👶 For kids: The outline or shape of something, like when you draw the edges of a house.
More Examples
The mapmaker used contour lines to represent the elevation changes.
The sculptor highlighted the contours of the figure's muscles.
How It's Used
"The map showed the contours of the mountain range."
"The artist emphasized the contours of the model's face with shading."
"She used makeup to create the contours she wanted for her cheeks."
To shape or mold something into a specific form, especially by using cosmetics to enhance facial features or by shaping land to a specific design.
/kənˈtʊər/
To shape or mold something in a specific form.
The makeup artist contoured her face to create the illusion of higher cheekbones.
💡 Simply: If you're using makeup, contouring means using makeup to change the shape of your face, like making your cheekbones look more defined. It's like you're drawing new lines to make things look the way you want.
👶 For kids: To change the shape of something, like when you make a playdough ball into a snake.
More Examples
The architects contoured the building to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
The road was carefully contoured to minimize environmental impact.
How It's Used
"She contoured her cheekbones to make them appear more defined."
"The road was contoured to follow the natural slope of the land."
Idioms & expressions
contour lines
Lines on a map or chart connecting points of equal elevation.
"The map uses contour lines to show the altitude of different areas."
From French *contour* (outline, shape), ultimately from Italian *contorno* (outline), from *contornare* (to surround), derived from Latin *con-* (together) + *tornare* (to turn).
The word has been used since the late 18th century, initially in the context of art and then in cartography and other fields.
Memory tip
Think of the lines on a map (contours) that show the shape of the land.