The word "outline". What is a "contour" in the fields of drawing and electrical, synonyms, etymology

When it is necessary to characterize a linearoutline the subject, present his plan schematically, circle the edges or make a drawing without shadows, the word "contour" is used. It has a number of synonyms, both well-known and book, used in works to enhance imagery. Girls are not by hearsay familiar with such expressions as "face contour" or "contouring technique" in make-up. What does this word mean, what are the rules of declension, and also the synonyms, which give a detailed understanding of the concept? Answers to all questions in order.

The meaning of the word "contour"

The semantic properties of a word are sufficientvarious. It has a number of meanings in non-contiguous fields of application. The main one is the external outline of the object. It is with him that the word "contour" is associated in the first place. That such a value is applicable in engineering, mathematics, geometry, drawing, drawing, for many is a surprise. Knowledge of this greatly expands the vocabulary and allows you to operate a number of related concepts.

The word has a direct and portable meaning. In the second case, they have an approximate, unformed view of something. For example:

This innovation highlights the contours of the future intensive development of the industry, and now it is necessary to analyze the prospects.

In the literal sense, you can identify several basic meanings of the word by regions. For example, the outline of something, a linear silhouette:

• The contours of her face could not be called correct, but they were quite interesting for creating a portrait for a thematic exhibition.
• The contours of the building created ephemeral shadows on the eve of the approaching night.

Closed circuit or piping system in technical topics:

• Contour piping system provides heating of circulating water.
• One electrical circuit may contain several closed circuits.

Etymology

Latin word contornare (round), Frenchcontour (outline) and German kontur (outline) became sources of borrowing in the Russian language. Linguists tend to the latter option. He is considered the main source. It is in several dictionaries that it is indicated in the column "Origin" of the word "contour". That this interpretation is the only true, exhaustive evidence is not given.

Synonyms

The presence of multiple areas of usethe word "contour" leads to the appearance of a whole series of synonyms. These include: contour, outline, profile, line, figure, sketch, chain, inventory, etc. Depending on the field of use, whether it is technique, electricity, mathematics, drawing, one can distinguish its specific characteristics and rules for using the word "contour" ".

The synonym "outline", for example, is used in geodesy. Also it can be called a book version with a similar meaning:

On the terrain map it was possible to clearly trace the outline of the mountains.

The rules for declining the word "contour"

Syntactic and morphological properties of the word"Outline" defines it as an inanimate noun name of the masculine gender of the second declension (according to the first type). In the singular, the table looks like this:

In plural:

In all cases of declension, the stress falls on the first syllable. Root of the word -circuit-. That such a value can be developed and changed morphologically, it is easy to trace in the following examples:

Small-contour, two-contour, contoured, contour, contour.

Selecting a word to characterize the outlinesobject, building, profile, terrain, you can use not only the "outline". What is meaning is not the only possible, shows a number of synonyms. The outline, sketch, sketch, outline and other options diversify written and spoken speech in the most common fields of application.