Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

graphics adaptor
     
         (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)