HOW TO PRONOUNCE
contour
/ˈkɑnˌtʊɹ/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:39
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What does contour mean?
noun
- An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.
- A line on a map or chart delineating those points which have the same altitude or other plotted quantity: a contour line or isopleth; (metonymically) the landform or its surface.
- a speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.
More meanings (5)
noun
- (figuratively) A general description giving the most important points.
verb
- To form a more or less curved boundary or border upon.
- To mark with contour lines.
- To practise the makeup technique of contouring.
- (figuratively) To shape conditions regarding salient points.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈkɑnˌtʊɹ/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
The atmosphere gradually freed itself from its weight of water-vapor, the rains descended, and the ocean took form and contour.
Les dômes, sur l’azur des ondes Suivant la phrase au pur contour, S’enflent comme des gorges rondes Que soulève un soupir d’amour.
More book examples (3)
Thereupon the contour of a man became dimly visible against the low-reaching sky over the valley, beyond the outer margin of the pool.
It was eerie to watch the contour of the arc break, die away into a delicate pallor and reillumine in a travelling riband.
Even through the gathering twilight she recognized the contour of the soft hills encircling it, and the way the meadows sloped to its edge.