graphics adapter

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
graphics adaptor
graphics adapter
graphics card
video adapter
video card

   <hardware, graphics> (Or "graphics adapter", "graphics card",
   "video adaptor", etc.) A circuit board fitted to a computer,
   especially an {IBM PC}, containing the necessary {video
   memory} and other electronics to provide a {bitmap display}.

   Adaptors vary in the {resolution} (number of {pixels}) and
   number of colours they can display, and in the {refresh rate}
   they support.  These parameters are also limited by the
   {monitor} to which the adaptor is connected.  A number of such
   {display standards}, e.g. {SVGA}, have become common and
   different {software} requires or supports different sets.

   (1996-09-16)