rhizoverbBeta
Dictionarycontoursurface shape
noun / verb

contour

KAHN-toor/ˈkɑːntʊr/

The outline or surface shape of something.

The stone has a curved contour and a gently uneven surface.

A single smooth, asymmetrical stone with a clearly defined curved outline and gently undulating surface, making both its outer contour and three-dimensional shape easy to see.
Etymology
conLatinperhaps adds emphasis
+tourLatinto turn on a lathe

The turning root, with a prefix that was perhaps intensive, underlies a verb meaning “to go around.” That image connects contour with the outline running around a figure and defining its shape.

In context

Skinterviews by Nathan & George9:03
puts a certain light reflection because you're basically elevating the bridge of the nose and give it a more pyramid shape so you can basically camouflage irregularities and make small Contour changes
Skinterviews | Season 3 - The Expert Series | Episode 7 - The Nose

More examples

  • Each contour on the map connects points at the same elevation.
  • The seat is contoured to support your back.
  • She contours her cheekbones with a darker shade of makeup.

Forms

contour · contours · contoured · contouring

Similar words

outline
Emphasizes the outer boundary rather than the surface's shape.
shape
Names overall form without emphasizing particular edges or curves.
profile
Usually describes an outline seen from the side.