chassis

[chas-ee, -is, shas-ee]

noun

plural

chassis 

1. Automotive.,  the frame, wheels, and machinery of a motor vehicle, on which the body is supported.

2. Ordnance.,  the frame or railway on which a gun carriage moves backward and forward.

3. the main landing gear of an aircraft; that portion of the landing gear that supports an aircraft.

4. Radio and Television.,  a frame for mounting the circuit components of a radio or television set.

5. a construction forming the sides, top, and bottom of a cabinet, showcase, or the like.

chassis

/ ˈʃæsɪ /

noun

1. the steel frame, wheels, engine, and mechanical parts of a motor vehicle, to which the body is attached

2. electronics a mounting for the circuit components of an electrical or electronic device, such as a radio or television

3. the landing gear of an aircraft

4. obsolete,  a wooden framework for a window, screen, etc

5. the frame on which a cannon carriage moves backwards and forwards

6. slang,  the body of a person, esp a woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of chassis¹

1655–65; < French châssis frame; akin to chase ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of chassis¹

C17 (meaning: window frame): from French châssis frame, from Vulgar Latin capsicum (unattested), ultimately from Latin capsa _case ²

Example Sentences

The chassis are made in the U.S. at the company’s headquarters and production plant in Garden Grove in Orange County, Calif.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

F1 is heading into its biggest ever regulation change next season, with new rules for both chassis and engine, and it is unknown which team will be in best shape.

Read more on BBC

Some have fitted the cooling device and pump at the front of the chassis, others by the side-impact structures beside the cockpit and others inside the chassis.

Read more on BBC

Even when Red Bull fell from competitiveness during the early years of hybrid engines, their chassis was still for the most part regarded as one of the best in the field.

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Spencer Rivkin ducked his head as he stepped inside and pulled a chassis off a rack.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• frame 
• undercarriage