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

Related Words

• frame 
• undercarriage