What does "contouring" mean?

the construction of contour lines through a matrix of points each having a known value of some variable

Contouring

Common synonyms include: contour line, border, broad lines, configuration, configuration, conformation.

noun, verb

noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
the construction of contour lines through a matrix of points each having a known value of some variable countable, uncountable
2
a technique in makeup using blush and bronzing powder to define contours on the face countable, uncountable
"Contouring is not our thing because the main beauty philosophy in France is to accept who you are."
3
the building up of muscles with exercise countable, uncountable
4
walking along contour lines, usually to save energy or simplify navigation countable, uncountable
"If you are going to be walking in mountainous or rough terrain it is often a good idea to plan a route following contour lines. This is called ‘contouring’."

Verb

"Included in this number is everything from body contouring to full gender reassignment."

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.