Spanish word

contorno

Pronunciation

IPA/konˈtoɾno/

Meaning

  • masculine nounoutline

Example

Dibuja el contorno de la figura.

Draw the outline of the figure.

Illustration for contorno (outline)

More examples

Con el iluminador defino el contorno del rostro.

With the highlighter I define the outline of the face.

Core concept

The boundary line that defines a shape's form.

Common phrases

  • contorno del rostro

    outline of the face

  • contorno de la cara

    face outline

Similar words

forma: General visible outline or form of an object or person.
perfil: Profile outline seen from the side.
silueta: Shape visible as a silhouette when backlit or against a plain background.
borde: Perimeter edge bordering an object and its surroundings.

Definition in Spanish

Línea o límite que define la forma de una figura, un objeto o un cuerpo; la silueta que marca su borde.

Word origin

Borrowing Latin roots con- 'around' and tornare 'to turn', contorno denotes the perimeter or outline of a body or object.

Usage tips

  • Although similar to English contour, contorno also applies to measured body areas (for example, contorno de ojos) and not only to a geometric curve.

Other meanings

  • peripherynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • contornearoutlineverb
  • contorneadooutlinedadjective

Word lists with this word