expander
UK[ɪkˈspændə]US[ɪkˈspændər]
n
a device or substance that causes something to increase in size, volume, or quantity.
n
a component in electronic or optical systems that increases the dynamic range of a signal.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
pand
er
ex
out
pand
spread
er
agent/instrument suffix
Etymology
the word expander is built upon the verb expand, which entered english in the 15th century from the latin expandere, meaning "to spread out." this latin verb is itself a compound of the prefix ex- (out) and the verb pandere (to spread, extend). the core concept of spreading something outward to increase its area or volume is preserved from its latin origin. the english agent suffix -er was then added, following a standard pattern in the language, to create a noun denoting an instrument or device that performs the action of expanding. thus, an expander is literally "a thing that spreads something out."
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + pand (spread) + er (agent/instrument suffix)
ex: a latin prefix meaning "out, out of, thoroughly."
pand: from the latin root pandere, meaning "to spread out, extend."
er: an english agent or instrument noun suffix, indicating "a person or thing that does something."
Examples
the orthodontist fitted him with a palatal expander to widen his upper jaw.
this audio processor includes a compressor and an expander for better sound control.
the chef used a cake expander to make the batter rise more evenly.