Contour

Definitions

1. An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.
2. 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.
3. a speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.
4. A general description giving the most important points.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“the low drag⟳ contour of a modern automobile”

“The semi-streamlined contour of the earlier G.W.R. railcars has been given up in favour of a more utilitarian blunt-nose end⟳, and effective floor space gained thereby.”

“Contours of a deal⟳ with conservative holdouts who had been blocking McCarthy’s rise⟳ had emerged the night before, and took hold⟳ after four dismal days and 14 failed votes in an intraparty standoff unseen in modern times.”

CEFR level