Word
expansion card
Definition
compound. a small circuit board that you plug into a computer to give it new features. You use it to add things like better graphics, more storage, or a faster internet connection.
compound. a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an electrical connector, or slot, on a computer motherboard to add functionality to a computer system. Common types include video cards, sound cards, and network interface cards.
Examples
“I bought a new expansion card to improve my computer's graphics.”
“If you want to record professional audio, you might need to install a high-quality expansion card into your desktop computer.”
“While modern motherboards integrate many features directly, specialized tasks like high-speed data acquisition or professional video editing still require a dedicated expansion card to handle the processing load.”
Examples
simple
“I bought a new expansion card to improve my computer's graphics.”
contextual
“If you want to record professional audio, you might need to install a high-quality expansion card into your desktop computer.”
complex
“While modern motherboards integrate many features directly, specialized tasks like high-speed data acquisition or professional video editing still require a dedicated expansion card to handle the processing load.”
Usage
Typically used in the context of desktop computers rather than laptops, which use different internal connection standards.
Etymology
A compound formed from the noun expansion, derived from the Latin expandere meaning to spread out, and the noun card, originating from the Greek chartēs for a leaf of papyrus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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