n.
Pronunciation: ' au ̇ t- ˌ l ī n
Function: noun
Date: 1662
1 a : a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : BOUNDARY b : SHAPE
2 a : a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading b : a sketch in outline
3 a : a condensed treatment of a particular subject <an outline of world history> b : a summary of a written work : SYNOPSIS
4 : a preliminary account of a project : PLAN
5 : a fishing line set out overnight
synonyms OUTLINE , CONTOUR , PROFILE , SILHOUETTE mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. OUTLINE applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass <traced the outline of his hand>. CONTOUR stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled <a car with flowing contours >. PROFILE suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background <a portrait of her face in profile >. SILHOUETTE suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined <photograph in silhouette against a bright sky>.