cassette

[kuh-set, ka-]

noun

1. Also called cassette tape. a compact case containing a length of magnetic tape that runs between two small reels: used for recording or playback of audio or video in a tape recorder, cassette deck, video camera, or VCR, and for storage of data by some small computer systems.

2. Photography.,  a lightproof metal or plastic container for a roll of film, having a single spool for supplying and rewinding the film.

3. a replaceable or refillable cartridge in a typewriter or printer that contains the ribbon or ink.

4. a case or tray in a printer or copier that holds the paper.

cassette

/ kæˈsɛt /

noun

1. 1. a plastic container for magnetic tape, as one inserted into a tape deck

   2. ( as modifier )

      a cassette recorder

2. photog another term for cartridge

3. films a container for film used to facilitate the loading of a camera or projector, esp when the film is used in the form of a loop

4. the injection of genes from one species into the fertilized egg of another species

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassette¹

1955–60; < French, equivalent to casse “box” ( case ² ) + -ette -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassette¹

C18: from French: little box; see _case ²

Example Sentences

“My dad wasn’t into music at all, but he randomly happened to pick up an amazing selection of cassettes,” says Wiggs.

From Los Angeles Times

The phrase worked almost like those self-esteem cassette tapes I used to see in bookstore displays as a kid: corny, repetitive, weirdly powerful — a kind of culinary manifestation.

From Salon

I remember when cassettes became a threat to vinyl.

From Los Angeles Times

He recounted his days growing up when he, his mother and sister would go to the cinema or pick from their extensive home library of video cassette tapes.

From Los Angeles Times

Rock music wasn’t played on TV or the radio in the then-communist country, so Bathory and his friends traded cassette tapes of any punk and metal they got their hands on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• tape