I. ˈau̇t-ˌlīn 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
II. transitive verb
Date: circa 1790
1. : to draw the outline of
2. : to indicate the principal features or different parts of
outlined their responsibilities