Definition

Noun: - (Computing) A socket on a computer's motherboard: An "expansion slot" is a physical connector designed to accept an add-on circuit board, enabling the addition or enhancement of hardware capabilities.

Usage

• The term is used specifically in the context of computer hardware to describe the interface where expansion cards (e.g., graphics cards, network cards, sound cards) are installed.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To populate an expansion slot": To install a card into an available slot.
  • All the expansion slots on the server are now populated with network interface cards.

Variants and Related Words

• Expansion card (n): The circuit board that is installed into an expansion slot.
  • I bought a new Wi-Fi expansion card for my desktop.
• Slot (n): In computing, a more general term for a connector or space designed to hold a specific component.
  • The memory modules fit into the DIMM slots.

Synonyms

• Bus slot: A technical synonym emphasizing the connection to the computer's internal data bus.
• Adapter slot: Less common, but used to indicate a slot for an adapter card.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): A common standard for modern expansion slots.
• Motherboard: The main circuit board containing the expansion slots.
• Upgrade: A common action performed by adding hardware via an expansion slot.

Noun

1. (computer) a socket in a microcomputer that will accept a plug-in circuit board
   • the PC had three slots for additional memory