noun
relief
Variation of a surface above or below its surrounding level.
The carved flowers stand in relief against the smooth background.
Etymology
The Italian source concerns something raised. In sculpture and terrain, relief describes how parts rise above or sink below the surrounding surface.
More examples
- The design is carved in sunken relief below the surface.
- The map shows the region's relief, from valleys to peaks.
- Stone reliefs decorate the walls of the courtyard.
Forms
relief · reliefs
Similar words
- topography
- Describes land features broadly, not just differences in height.
- elevation
- Specifies height above a reference level rather than surface variation.