n. 1. a. The outline of a figure, body, or mass. See Synonyms at form. b. A line that represents such an outline. See Synonyms at outline. 2. A contour line. 3. a. A varying characteristic or quality of something, such as a melody. b. Linguistics The distinctive rising and falling patterns of pitch, tone, or stress. tr.v. con·toured, con·tour·ing, con·tours 1. To make or shape the outline of; represent in contour. 2. To build (a road, for example) to follow the contour of the land. adj. 1. Following the contour lines of uneven terrain to limit erosion of topsoil: contour plowing. 2. Shaped to fit the outline or form of something: a contour sheet. [French, alteration (influenced by tour, turn) of Italian contorno, from contornare, to draw in outline : Latin com-, intensive pref.; see COM- + Latin tornāre, to round off (from tornus, lathe, from Greek tornos; see terə-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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