what does contour mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What does 'Contour' mean?

A. Flat area
B. Shape or outline of something
C. Volume of a structure
D. Height of a structure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'Contour' specifically refers to the shape or outline of something. In art and geography, contours are used to represent the outline or shape of an object or landform, making choice B the correct definition. Choice A, 'Flat area,' is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of contour which is about the shape or outline. Choice C, 'Volume of a structure,' is unrelated to the concept of contour. Choice D, 'Height of a structure,' is also incorrect as contour is more about the shape and not the height of an object.

2. The interns observed the CONTOURS of the patients' rash. What does Contours mean?

A. Color
B. Shape
C. Size
D. Texture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Shape.' Contours refer to the outline or shape of something. In this context, the interns were observing the shape or outline of the patients' rash, not the color, size, or texture. Colors, sizes, and textures are not typically described as contours, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.

3. What does Exposure mean?

A. Protection from external elements
B. Contact
C. Absorption
D. Isolation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Exposure refers to coming into contact with external elements. Choice A is incorrect as exposure does not imply protection but rather contact. Choice C, absorption, refers to the process of soaking up or taking in something. Choice D, isolation, means being separated or kept apart from others, which is not synonymous with exposure.

4. What does the quoted word 'cornucopia' mean in the following sentence?

A. Plethora
B. Ostracism
C. Laborious
D. Pensive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Plethora.' In the context provided, 'cornucopia' is used metaphorically to signify an abundance or a large variety of stimulating questions and conversation. 'Plethora' is a synonym for 'cornucopia' and means an excessive amount or abundance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Ostracism' means exclusion or rejection, 'Laborious' means requiring a lot of effort, and 'Pensive' means engaged in deep thought.

5. What is the best description for the term doleful?

A. Unwell
B. Deprived
C. Conceited
D. Downcast

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The term 'doleful' is best described as feeling or expressing sorrow or sadness. 'Downcast' aligns with this meaning as it refers to having a dejected or low spirit, which matches the nature of doleful. Options A, B, and C do not directly relate to the sense of sadness or sorrow that doleful conveys. 'Unwell' means in poor health, 'deprived' means lacking something essential, and 'conceited' means having an excessively favorable opinion of oneself, none of which capture the essence of doleful.