topography

noun

to·​pog·​ra·​phy tə-ˈpä-grə-fē How to pronounce topography (audio)
1
a
: the art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on maps or charts of natural and man-made features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations
b
: topographical surveying
2
a
: the configuration of a surface including its relief and the position of its natural and man-made features
b
: the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships
the topography of human chromosomes
the political topography of our time

Did you know?

Topography combines top- with graph-, a root meaning "write" or "describe". The topography of the Sahara Desert features shifting sand dunes and dry, rocky mountains. A topographic (or topo) map not only shows the surface features of a region but also indicates the contours and approximate altitude of every location, by means of numerous curving lines, each indicating a single elevation. In other words, it shows a "three-dimensional" picture on a two-dimensional surface. Topo maps are commonly used by hikers, surveyors, government workers, and engineers, among other people.

Examples of topography in a Sentence

a map of the topography of the coastline shows a significant loss of wetlands
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eggers Grove encompasses dune and swale topography unique to areas close to Lake Michigan. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024 Because of its unique topography, Copper’s easiest terrain is concentrated at the western end of the resort and increases in difficulty progressively from west to east. John Meyer, The Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2024 From the get-go, the ever-changing topography of New Zealand's South Island quickly stilled any fears of boredom or claustrophobia. Brad Japhe, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024 The mountainous topography of the region also played a major role in the flooding, Yuh-Lang Lin, a professor of atmospheric science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, told ABC News. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for topography 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English topographie, from Late Latin topographia, from Greek, from topographein to describe a place, from topos place + graphein to write — more at carve

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of topography was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near topography

Cite this Entry

“Topography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topography. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

topography

noun
to·​pog·​ra·​phy tə-ˈpäg-rə-fē How to pronounce topography (audio)
1
: the art or practice of showing on maps or charts the heights and depths of the features of a place
2
: the shape and height and depth of the features of a place

Medical Definition

topography

noun
to·​pog·​ra·​phy tə-ˈpäg-rə-fē How to pronounce topography (audio)
plural topographies
1
: the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships
the topography of the abdomen
the topography (size and fluorescent staining intensity) of human chromosomesScience News
2

More from Merriam-Webster on topography

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