con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇r
1
: an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure : shape
the sleek contours of the car
The map shows the contour of the coastline.
also
: the line representing this outline
2
: the general form or structure of something : characteristic
—often used in plural
the contours of a melody
… the contours of political and social theories.—James G. Paradis
3
: a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech
1
: following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them
contour flooding
contour farming
2
: made to fit the contour of something
a contour couch
contour sheets
contoured; contouring; contours
1
a
: to shape the contour of
b
: to shape so as to fit contours
2
: to construct (something, such as a road) in conformity to a contour
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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