Polygon count refers to the number of polygons that make up a 3D model. Polygons are flat shapes, usually triangles or quadrilaterals, that form the surface of the model. A higher polygon count generally means more detail and smoother surfaces, which can enhance the visual quality of the model in applications like video games and animations. In computer graphics, managing polygon count is crucial for performance. Models with too high a polygon count can slow down rendering times and affect frame rates. Developers often optimize models by reducing polygon count while maintaining visual fidelity, balancing detail with performance for platforms like PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.