topography

noun

to·pog·ra·phy | \ tə-ˈpä-grə-fē

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

Fargo, a city of about 122,000, has long struggled with flooding due to the flat topography of the Red River Valley. — Dave Kolpack, The Seattle Times, "As flood looms, North Dakota’s largest city back to bagging," 29 Mar. 2019 These programs are widely available and realistically simulate maneuvers, topography and emergency situations. — Andy Pasztor, WSJ, "Horizon Air Plane Theft, Crash Exposes Cracks in Airport Security," 11 Aug. 2018 Like the topography of its namesake, this green mana exudes raw natural energy, relying on aggressive buffs and all manner of beasts, elves, and druids of the wood to bring you victory. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "How to Play 'Magic: The Gathering': Everything You Need to Know," 19 Feb. 2019 The site is difficult to develop due to its topography, however. — Jane Ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Crime lab, offices most likely for Loomis Crossing in Greenfield, developer said," 9 Apr. 2018 Along with wall texts that seldom compare works to Indian counterparts, the photographs keep returning our attention to the topography, flora and people of Sri Lanka. — Lee Lawrence, WSJ, "‘The Jeweled Isle: Art From Sri Lanka’ Review: Reclaiming a Country’s Creative History," 1 Jan. 2019 If oceans warmed, this unfortunate topography could cause rapid and irreversible retreat. — Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, "East Antarctica's Sleeping Giant Awakes," 17 Aug. 2018 New York was not to be without a park with slide mountains, underground tunnels, sand and water and ancient geometry, integrating topography with play rather than setting equipment out on a cushioned tabletop. — Alexandra Lange, Curbed, "How not to cheat children: Let them build their own playgrounds," 18 July 2018 The vegetation zones in Volcanoes change depending on the altitude, and the varying topography — an intermingling of lush green, massive redwoods, slender mountain bamboo trees, red mud underfoot and streams — made the hike all the more scenic. — New York Times, "Climbing Over Rocks, Holding on to Vines and Then, at Last, Gorillas," 4 Apr. 2018

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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Last Updated

17 May 2019

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Time Traveler for topography

The first known use of topography was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for topography

topography

noun

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 | \ tə-ˈpäg-rə-fē

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