# expansion card

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expansion-card
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in the context of desktop computers rather than laptops, which use different internal connection standards.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.