noun

contour

contour, outline, shape

The artist sketched the contour of the face.

The artist sketched the contour of the face.

The map shows the contours of the hills.

The map shows the contours of the hills.

the contour of ((sth.)) the outline or shape of (sth.) The artist sketched the contour of the face.

Synonyms: outline, shape, profile

From French 'contourner' (to go around), from Latin 'con-' (together) and 'tornare' (to turn).

Think of taking a 'tour' around the edge of something to see its shape. Makeup 'contouring' defines the shape of the face.

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