Contours refer to the outlines or shapes of an object, often used in art and design to define the edges and forms. In geography, contours are lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation, helping to illustrate the terrain's shape and slope. In mathematics, contours can represent curves in a graph, showing how a function behaves across different values. They are essential in various fields, including cartography, graphic design, and mathematics, as they provide a visual representation of complex information in a simplified manner.