n. & v.
--n.
1. an outline, esp. representing or bounding the shape or form of something.
2 the outline of a natural feature, e.g. a coast or mountain mass.
3 a line separating differently coloured parts of a design.
--v.tr.
1. mark with contour lines.
2 carry (a road or railway) round the side of a hill.
Phrases and idioms:
contour line a line on a map joining points of equal altitude. contour map a map marked with contour lines. contour ploughing ploughing along lines of constant altitude to minimize soil erosion.
Etymology: F f. It. contorno f. contornare draw in outline (as COM-, tornare turn)