contour
 con·tour (kŏnʹto͝or')n.
1.
a. The outline of a figure, body, or mass.
b. A line that represents such an outline. See Synonyms at form. See Synonyms at outline.
2. A surface, especially of a curving form. Often used in the plural.
3. A contour line.
4. 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 Indo-European Roots).]
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