wire frame model is a term used in the art of making two dimensional visualizations of three-dimensional objects, scenes and alike. The wire frame model is a special stage in the devolopement process of such drawings or designs where surfaces are approached by small planar areas which are displayed by drawing their delimiting lines.
The use of a wire frame model can show up the underlying design structure of a 3D-model.
It can also serve as a way to speed up displaying things because of its lack of details.