1.  contour(n = noun.communication) contour line - a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height;
Derived form verb contour₁

2.  contour(n = noun.attribute) configuration, conformation, form, shape - any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline); "he could barely make out their shapes"
Derived form verb contour₁

3.  contour(n = noun.cognition) - a feature (or the order or arrangement of features) of anything having a complex structure; "it defines a major contour of this administration"; "the contours of the melody"

   contour(v = verb.creation) - form the contours of;
Derived form noun contour₁, noun contour₂
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something; Something ----s something

1.  The outline of a figure or body, or the line or lines representing such an outline; the line that bounds; periphery. [1913 Webster]

2.  The outline of a horizontal section of the ground, or of works of fortification. [1913 Webster]

contour, n. & v.
--n.
1 an outline, esp. representing or bounding the shape or form of something.
2 the outline of a natural feature, e.g. a coast or mountain mass.
3 a line separating differently coloured parts of a design.
--v.tr.
1 mark with contour lines.
2 carry (a road or railway) round the side of a hill.

Idiom:
contour line a line on a map joining points of equal altitude. contour map a map marked with contour lines. contour ploughing ploughing along lines of constant altitude to minimize soil erosion.

Etymology:
F f. It. contorno f. contornare draw in outline (as COM-, tornare turn)

N  outline, circumference, perimeter, periphery, ambit, circuit, lines tournure, contour, profile, silhouette, bounds, coast line, zone, belt, girth, band, baldric, zodiac, girdle, tyre, cingle, clasp, girt, cordon, circlet.

N  form, figure, shape, conformation, configuration, make, formation, frame, construction, cut, set, build, trim, cut of one's jib, stamp, type, cast, mold, fashion, contour, structure, plasmature, feature, lineament, turn, phase, posture, attitude, pose, morphism, isomorphism, forming, formation, figuration, efformation, sculpture, plasmation, formed, plastic, fictile, formative, fluid, plasmic, isomorphous, pleomorphic, protean, changeable.

N  appearance, phenomenon, sight, spectacle, show, premonstration, scene, species, view, coup d'oeil, lookout, outlook, prospect, vista, perspective, bird's-eye view, scenery, landscape, picture, tableau, display, exposure, mise en sc ne, rising of the curtain, phantasm, phantom, pageant, spectacle, peep-show, raree-show, gallanty-show, ombres chinoises, magic lantern, phantasmagoria, dissolving views, biograph, cinematograph, moving pictures, panorama, diorama, cosmorama, georama, coup de theatre, jeu de theatre, pageantry, insignia, aspect, angle, phase, phasis, seeming, shape, guise, look, complexion, color, image, mien, air, cast, carriage, port, demeanor, presence, expression, first blush, face of the thing, point of view, light, lineament feature trait lines, outline, outside, contour, face, countenance, physiognomy, visage, phiz, cast of countenance, profile, tournure, cut of one s jib, metoposcopy, outside, apparent, seeming, ostensible, on view, apparently, to all seeming, to all appearance, ostensibly, seemingly, as it seems, on the face of it, prima facie, at the first blush, at first sight, in the eyes of, to the eye, editio princeps.