The word "recontour" is pronounced as /riːkənˈtʊə(r)/. The phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable, "ree," is stressed, and the second syllable, "kun," is pronounced with a schwa sound. The word is spelled with a "re" prefix, indicating repetition or reversal, and "contour," meaning the shape or outline of something. Therefore, "recontour" refers to the act of reshaping or redefining an outline or contour. This word is often used in cosmetic surgery to describe the process of reshaping a patient's facial features.
Recontour is a term used primarily in the fields of land surveying, land development, and civil engineering. It refers to the process of altering or reshaping the existing topography or contours of a particular piece of land or terrain.
In the context of land surveying, recontouring involves the modification of land elevations to achieve a desired design grade or shape. This process often involves the removal or addition of soil or other materials to create a more suitable or functional land configuration.
In land development, recontouring is commonly employed to prepare the site for construction purposes. It may involve reshaping the land to modify natural drainage patterns, create flat building pads, or correct irregular slopes to accommodate new buildings or infrastructure.
Within civil engineering, recontouring can be utilized to design or modify transportation routes, such as roads or railways. Engineers may recontour the land to achieve desired grades and alignments, ensuring safe and efficient transportation networks.
The recontouring process typically involves various techniques and tools, such as excavation machinery, grading equipment, and survey instruments. It requires careful planning, analysis of the existing terrain, and adherence to engineering principles and regulations.
Overall, recontouring is a fundamental process in land development and civil engineering, allowing for the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes while adhering to safety, functionality, and design considerations.
The word "recontour" is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the noun "contour" which refers to the outline or shape of something.
The prefix "re-" in this case signifies repetition or reversal, indicating that something is being done again or being restored to its original shape.
The noun "contour" comes from the French word "contour" which dates back to the 17th century. It has its roots in the Latin word "com-" meaning "together" and "tornare" meaning "to turn". The combination of these elements gives "contour" the meaning of the outline or shape formed by a series of curves or turns.
Therefore, "recontour" can be understood as the act of shaping or reshaping something to restore or alter its original outline or form.