The word "contour" is spelled as /ˈkɑːn.tʊr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "con" is pronounced with a long "o" sound /ɑ:/ and the "t" is pronounced with a hard stop /t/ sound. The second syllable "tour" has an unstressed /tʊr/ sound, where the "ou" creates a /ʊ/ sound and the "r" is pronounced with a soft, muted /r/ sound. Overall, the spelling of the word "contour" is quite straightforward and follows standard English phonetic rules.
Contour is a noun that refers to the outline or shape of a particular object or area. It is often used to describe the distinctive features or curves that define the external form or structure of something, such as the contour of a mountain or the contour of someone's face. This term can also be used to represent a line drawn or highlighted on a map or a diagram to depict specific features or boundaries. In art, contour refers to the visible edge or outline of a figure or an object, drawn with continuous line strokes to represent its shape and form.
Contour can also be used as a verb, meaning to shape or mold something according to the specific outline or contours of an object or area. This can be seen in various artistic practices, where sculptors contour clay or other materials to create three-dimensional artworks.
In broader contexts, contour can also describe the overall pattern or structure of something, such as the contour of a melody in music or the contour of an argument in a debate. It can be used metaphorically to represent the distinctive characteristics or features that define a particular concept, idea, or design. Overall, contour is a versatile term that encompasses the physical shape, outline, or structure of something, both in a literal and figurative sense.
• In dentistry, to restore the normal outlines of a broken or otherwise misshapen tooth.
• The outline of a part, the surface configuration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The outline; the line that bounds or defines a figure or surface.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "contour" originated from the French word "contour" which means "outline" or "shape". It is derived from the Old French word "controur" with the same meaning, which in turn comes from the Latin word "contornare" meaning "to go around" or "to mark the outline of something". This Latin word is a combination of "con", meaning "around", and "tornare", meaning "to turn". Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "tere", which means "to rub" or "to turn".