Definition of TOPOGRAPHY (original) (raw)
1
a
: 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
2
a
: 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
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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.
Synonyms
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 Improve turf drainage through aeration and topography to help your lawn shed water well after heavy rains. —
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2024 In addition to the iconic _topography_—hoodoos and canyons in the Southwest, massive trees in California, and geysers that shoot water up hundreds of feet—I’ve also been awed by the green-black waters of Congaree; the magnificence of Denali, North America’s highest peak; and fall foliage in Acadia. —Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 15 Aug. 2024 Each one has distinct weather, topography and climate. —Catherine Garcia, The Week Us, theweek, 7 Aug. 2024 Researchers — including those from Oregon State University — recently updated the tool to include new variables, such as climate, topography, vegetation, social and economic factors plus the nearest roads, fire stations and power lines. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for topography 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'topography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English topographie, from Late Latin topographia, from Greek, from topographein to describe a place, from topos place + graphein to write — more at carve
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of topography was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near topography
Cite this Entry
“Topography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topography. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 18 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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