silhouette (ˌsɪluːˈɛt
)
Definitions
noun
- the outline of a solid figure as cast by its shadow
- an outline drawing filled in with black, often a profile portrait cut out of black paper and mounted on a light ground
verb
- (tr) to cause to appear in silhouette
Word Origin
C18: named after Étienne de Silhouette (1709–67), French politician, perhaps referring to silhouettes as partial portraits, with a satirical allusion to Silhouette's brief career as controller general (1759)Usage examples
She saw Desmond's face in silhouette , lifted, a supreme confidence in his expression, a look of sublime concentration.
, The Serpent's Mark (1990)The European silhouette follows the contours of the body and you therefore need to be pretty fit to carry that styling off.
India Today (1998)Yet, there is one item - a framed poster showing the silhouette of a biker atop a boulder - that has clearly found its home.
Toronto Sun (2003)The finale, with the dancers in silhouette , looks very striking.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)He jerked his head in agitation, and I tried to follow his movements so that he would always remain in deep silhouette.
, Tibet - Behind the Ice Curtain (1990)