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topography

noun
to·​pog·​ra·​phy | \ tÉ™-ˈpä-grÉ™-fÄ“ How to pronounce topography (audio) \

Definition of topography

1a : the art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on maps or charts of natural and man-made features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations
b : topographical surveying
2a : the configuration of a surface including its relief and the position of its natural and man-made features
b : the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships the topography of human chromosomes the political topography of our time
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about topography

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Did You Know?

Topography combines top- with graph-, a root meaning "write" or "describe". The topography of the Sahara Desert features shifting sand dunes and dry, rocky mountains. A topographic (or topo) map not only shows the surface features of a region but also indicates the contours and approximate altitude of every location, by means of numerous curving lines, each indicating a single elevation. In other words, it shows a "three-dimensional" picture on a two-dimensional surface. Topo maps are commonly used by hikers, surveyors, government workers, and engineers, among other people.

Examples of topography in a Sentence

a map of the topography of the coastline shows a significant loss of wetlands

Recent Examples on the Web

 Experts say decades of inadequate stormwater management requirements, coupled with the natural topography of the community, is to blame for disastrous flooding. — Erin B. Logan, baltimoresun.com, "County executive, councilwoman file competing bills to address development’s impact on Ellicott City flooding," 26 Aug. 2019 Thomas Shoots, the one-day, in-depth course will also teach fire behavior prediction and how to apply this knowledge to the community’s topography, fuels, weather and the fire-safe condition of homes. — Ramona Sentinel, "Workshop to focus on wildfires in high-risk areas," 9 Aug. 2019 The in-depth courses also teach fire behavior prediction and how to apply this knowledge to the community’s topography, fuels and weather, as well as the fire-safe condition of homes. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Free wildfire safety workshops start Saturday," 2 Aug. 2019 The size and extent of the freshwater deposits suggest they are also being fed by modern-day runoff from land—and may exist elsewhere with similar topography. — Michael J. Coren, Quartz, "Scientists have discovered a sea of fresh water under the ocean," 22 June 2019 Akagera’s topography is diverse, from open savanna in the north, to rolling hills of forest in the south, and wetlands that provide ample habitat for birds and hippos. — Benedict Moran, National Geographic, "Rwanda's war nearly destroyed this park. Now it's coming back.," 7 May 2019 That includes everything from shaping the wheels to handle the moon’s topography to choosing materials that can keep the machine both resilient and a maximum of 22 pounds, including any cargo. — Aki Ito, Bloomberg.com, "In Japan, This Engineer Is Designing a Miniature Rover to Make the Moon Habitable," 25 Apr. 2019 The topography and soils reports are also available. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Create an extraordinary estate on this 4.8-acre view lot in an exclusive gated community," 24 July 2019 Danger levels are calculated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on fuels, topography, climate, fire history and other factors. — AZCentral.com, "At the base of a canyon, every fire season can be a gamble," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topography.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of topography

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for topography

Middle English topographie, from Late Latin topographia, from Greek, from topographein to describe a place, from topos place + graphein to write — more at carve

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More Definitions for topography

topography

noun
How to pronounce topography (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of topography

technical
: the art or science of making maps that show the height, shape, etc., of the land in a particular area
: the features (such as mountains and rivers) in an area of land

See the full definition for topography in the English Language Learners Dictionary

topography

noun
to·​pog·​ra·​phy | \ tÉ™-ˈpäg-rÉ™-fÄ“ How to pronounce topography (audio) \
plural topographies

Medical Definition of topography

1 : the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships the topography of the abdomen the topography (size and fluorescent staining intensity) of human chromosomes — Science News
2 : regional anatomy

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More from Merriam-Webster on topography

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with topography

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for topography

Spanish Central: Translation of topography

Nglish: Translation of topography for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of topography for Arabic Speakers

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