expander

noun

ex·​pand·​er ik-ˈspan-dər 

: one that expands

specifically : any of several colloidal substances (such as dextran) of high molecular weight used as a blood or plasma substitute for increasing the blood volume

Examples of expander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its convenient expander is every overpacker's dream, providing extra packing room without tipping the scales or taking up overhead space. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026

Scientists have discovered that affirmations act as cognitive expanders. —Bybryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Finally, to prevent the heart from physically shifting and damaging vital vessels in the empty chest cavity, the surgeons used bovine pericardium to reconstruct the heart’s protective sac and filled the empty space with tissue expanders and surgical sponges. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 Jan. 2026

This vaporizes, driving an expander that spins a generator to produce energy. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for expander

• bystander
• commander
• highlander
• leander
• meander
• philander
• brander
• candor
• dander
• gander
• grander
• hander

Medical Definition

expander

noun

ex·​pand·​er ik-ˈspan-dər 

: any of several colloidal substances (as dextran) of high molecular weight used as a blood or plasma substitute for increasing the blood volume

called also extender