Meaning & use
contour
The outline or shape of an object, surface, or landscape, especially its curves and edges.
See it in a sentence
The map used thin lines to show the contour of the mountainous terrain.
The sculptor smoothed every contour of the marble until the figure looked lifelike.
A note on using this word
In makeup, contour also refers to shading the face to enhance its natural shape, a more recent usage.
Words with a similar meaning
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