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Glite Dictionary
circuit card

circuit card

4.4
A board with electronic parts that you insert into a computer to add functions like graphics or wireless
  • noun
  • /ˈsɜrkɪt kɑrd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tarjeta de circuito
  • To enhance the functionality of her computer, she decided to upgrade it by adding a circuit card.
  • printed circuit card

Examples

  • The technician inserted a new circuit card into the computer to boost its graphics performance.

  • The popular Apple IIe personal computer was developed in the late 1970s, and add-on digital-to-analog circuit cards gave the computer four-voice polyphony.

    Academic text (2002)

  • A typical electronic package hierarchy for a high-performance computer consists of chips, chip carriers or modules, printed-circuit cards, printed-circuit boards, and gates.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Adaptive Firmware Card (AFC): This device, for Apple II and compatible computers, consists of a printed-circuit card that is inserted in the computer and a small rectangular input/output box attached to the side of the computer.

    Academic text (1992)

  • After removing the old circuit card, he replaced it with a newer model that supported faster processing speeds.

Synonyms

card
vscircuit card
∞ 1.0

A small rectangular piece of plastic or cardboard for showing identity and for paying

is the specialized printed electronic module made to fit expansion slots
board
vscircuit card
  • Specialized
167 5.4

A flat panel inside electronic devices that holds small parts

is the narrower insertable printed module used to add computer capabilities
circuit board
vscircuit card
  • Specialized
14 3.7

A flat board inside devices like phones or computers that holds and connects electronic parts

is the specific insertable printed board used to add functions in computers
plug-in
vscircuit card
  • Specialized
2 4.3

A small circuit board you put into a computer slot to add new ports or features

is the more common technical label in formal contexts
add-in
vscircuit card
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A circuit board you put into a computer to add features like sound or graphics

is specifically the printed board that fits into expansion slots
PC board
vscircuit card
  • Specialized
4.2

A small circuit board you plug into a computer to add features

is used for insertable boards across computers, not only personal ones

How Complex

motherboard
  • Specialized
18 4.6
graphics card
  • Specialized
4 3.2
circuit card
  • Specialized
4.4
breadboard
  • Specialized
1 5.7

Surface Forms

circuit card singular
circuit cards plural

Morphology

circuit + card

The meaning 'a card containing electrical circuitry used in a computer' is directly derivable from combining 'circuit' (components forming a route for electric current) with 'card' (a flat piece or component), yielding a literal compound. This noun+noun composition is a productive, cross-linguistically common pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Circuit card comes from its flat, card-like shape and the printed paths called circuit on it. You plug this thin board into a computer to 'add' new functions, so the name means a board you insert to give a computer extra abilities.