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Simple Meaning
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.
Common Usage
Geography
"The map showed the contours of the mountain range."
Art
"The artist emphasized the contours of the model's face with shading."
Cosmetics
"She used makeup to create the contours she wanted for her cheeks."
Makeup
"She contoured her cheekbones to make them appear more defined."
Engineering
"The road was contoured to follow the natural slope of the land."
Etymology
From French *contour* (outline, shape), ultimately from Italian *contorno* (outline), from *contornare* (to surround), derived from Latin *con-* (together) + *tornare* (to turn).