expander

[ik-span-der]

noun

1. a person or thing that expands.

2. Electronics.,  Also expandor. a transducer that produces an output with a range of voltages greater than that of the input signal.

expander

/ ɪkˈspændə /

noun

1. a device for exercising and developing the muscles of the body

   a chest expander

2. an electronic device for increasing the variations in signal amplitude in a transmission system according to a specified law Compare compressor compander

Word History and Origins

Origin of expander¹

First recorded in 1860–65; expand + -er ¹

Example Sentences

When corsetry was in, expander panels conceded space, but often pregnancy was too rude and ugly to be revealed with a defining belt or sash.

From Slate

Now it is five days post-mastectomy and insertion of the tissue expander that presses hard against my chest wall.

From Washington Post

Tissue expander followed by an implant?

From Washington Post

Virelles is a subtler expander.

From New York Times

She had life-saving surgery to remove a tumour from her breast last summer and has since lived with a tissue expander, a temporary fix until an operation to change it to a permanent implant.

From Reuters