The limits of a figure are called contour.
The first step we are going to take before fully establishing the meaning of the term contour is to determine its etymological origin. In this sense, we can say that it comes from Latin as it is the result of the sum of two parts of that language: the prefix “con-”, which can be translated as “everything”, and “tornus”, which is synonymous with “turned around”. ”.
The meanings of the term contour are quite varied. The concept can be used to name those lines that allow the limits of an image or figure to be drawn. For example: “When you paint your notebook, try not to go outside the outlines of the people” , “The teacher asked us to highlight the outline of the squares, but not the rectangles” , “Although the outline was blurred, it was easy identify the lion in the little one's drawing."
Contour as perimeter
Contour can also be used as a synonym for perimeter . In this case, the contour refers to the edges or limits of a surface : “We have already wired the entire contour of the field,” “What happens beyond the contour is not our problem.”
You can calculate the contour or perimeter of a surface by adding each of its sides. In a square whose sides measure 20 centimeters, its contour will be equal to 80 centimeters .
The idea of contour can be associated with the perimeter.
The concept in cosmetics
In the case of cosmetics, the word we are analyzing is also used and is used, for example, to refer to what has been called the eye contour. And this area, the one around the eyes, becomes one of the parts of the face where expression lines are most accentuated and where wrinkles appear the most.
Therefore, both men and women who want to look younger take special care of that contour. What do they do about it? Apply concealers, use specific moisturizing creams for that part of the face and apply makeup correctly. In this case, the tricks that exist in this last aspect are to apply a white pencil in the tear duct area, use eye shadows in neutral colors, use eyeliners in brown tones, correctly define the eyebrows or apply makeup to the eyelashes.
Other uses of the notion of contour
Within what would be the field of numismatics, the term in question is also frequently used. In this case it is used to refer to the edge of a coin or a medal.
Another meaning of contour is linked to those towns or territories that surround a city . In this case, the term is usually used in the plural ( contours ): “The most serious social problems are located in the contours of the capital, where infrastructure is deficient.”
a proper name
“Contorno” is also the name of an Argentine magazine that had ten editions between 1953 and 1959 . Its founders were the brothers Ismael and David Viñas .
Contorno , finally, is the name of an entity based in the Federal District of Mexico that presents itself as a “centre for prospective and debate” and whose purpose is to promote sociopolitical debate.