contour line

noun

1. a line joining points of equal elevation on a surface.

2. the representation of such a line on a map.

3. Mathematics.,  a line parallel to a trace.

contour line

noun

1. Often shortened to: contour. a line on a map or chart joining points of equal height or depth

contour line

1. A line on a map joining points of equal elevation above a given level, usually mean sea level.

2. ◆ The change in elevation between one contour line and the next is the contour interval.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contour line¹

First recorded in 1835–45