[ˈkɒntʊə], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an outline representing or bounding the shape or form of something
(e.g: she traced the contours of his face with her finger)

- a way in which something varies, especially the pitch of music or the pattern of tones in an utterance


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century: from French, from Italian contorno, from contornare ‘draw in outline’, from con- ‘together’ + tornare ‘to turn’

[ˈkɒntʊə], (Verb)

Definitions:
- mould into a specific shape, especially one designed to fit into something else
(e.g: the compartment has been contoured with smooth rounded corners)

- mark (a map or diagram) with contour lines
(e.g: a variety of different data sources have been compiled to contour the maps)

- (of a road or railway) follow the outline of (a topographical feature), especially along a contour line
(e.g: the road contours the hillside)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century: from French, from Italian contorno, from contornare ‘draw in outline’, from con- ‘together’ + tornare ‘to turn’