Sound card

expansion board for personal computers which can receive and output digital sounds or synthesize sounds

A sound card (also known as an audio card) is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to/from a computer under control of computer programs. Typical uses of sound cards include providing the audio component for multimedia applications such as music composition, editing video or audio, presentation/education, and entertainment (games). Many computers have sound capabilities built in, while others require additional expansion cards to provide for audio capability.
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A plug-in optional circuit card for an IBM PC. It provides high-quality stereo sound output under program control. A "multimedia" PC usually includes a sound card. One of the best known is the Sound Blaster.
[Other kinds?]
(1995-03-01)