outline

Main Entry:: ¹out·line
Pronunciation:: \ˈau̇t-ˌlīn\
Function:: noun
Date:: 1662

1 a: a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : boundary b: shape2 a: a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading b: a sketch in outline3 a: a condensed treatment of a particular subject <an outline of world history> b: a summary of a written work : synopsis4: a preliminary account of a project : plan5: a fishing line set out overnight

synonyms outline , contour , profile , silhouette mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. outline applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass <traced the outline of his hand>. contour stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled <a car with flowing contours>. profile suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background <a portrait of her face in profile>. silhouette suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined <photograph in silhouette against a bright sky>.

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