expansion slot

American  

noun

Computers.

1. a connection in a computer, especially a personal computer, to which a new board or card can be added to expand the computer's capabilities.

---

expansion slot British  

noun

1. a physical electronic interface provided in a computer system to enable extra facilities to be added easily at a later date

---

Etymology

Origin of expansion slot

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

You’ll have to physically remove the console’s cover, unscrew the expansion slot cover and mount an internal solid-state drive, such as this WD_Black SSD.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2021

This new 980 Pro model will sit neatly inside the PS5’s M.2 SSD expansion slot Sony also recommends a heatsink on compatible SSDs.

From The Verge • Oct. 12, 2021

Roughly half the size of the original, the device actually mimics its elder and even has a removable expansion slot, volume control and working slot for cartridges, all that will never be used.

From Washington Times • Dec. 1, 2019

In a recent interview, Garber announced that the departure of the Rams “gives a little more momentum” to St Louis’ chances of gaining an expansion slot.

From The Guardian • Jan. 26, 2016

That night, after I shut off the lights and disabled the security cameras, I unlocked my entertainment unit’s maintenance access panel and installed the flash drive into an expansion slot used for firmware upgrades.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline