contorno

Contorno is a term used in Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish with several related meanings centered on the idea of outlining, surrounding, or accompanying. In general usage, contorno denotes the contour or boundary of an object, the silhouette of a form, or the outer edge of something. In drawing and sculpture, contorno describes the contour line that defines the shape of a subject, while in geography and cartography, it can appear in discussions of outline or profile of landscapes and figures.

In Italian cuisine, contorno is a specific culinary term meaning a side dish served to accompany a main course, typically vegetables, potatoes, or other vegetables prepared to complement a meat or fish dish. Common examples include contorno di verdure (vegetable side dish) and contorno di patate (potato side dish). The contorno is usually served alongside the main dish, often brought to the table at roughly the same time.

In Portuguese and Spanish, contorno commonly means outline or contour, and can refer to the edge or external boundary of a figure, as well as to the surrounding area or perimeter of a geographic or architectural object. The term is frequent in fields such as art, design, engineering, and geography.

Etymology: from Latin roots related to surrounding or turning, the term has evolved in various Romance languages to describe both physical outlines and accompanying items.