chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈcha-sē How to pronounce chassis (audio) ˈsha-sē How to pronounce chassis (audio)
 also  ˈcha-səs
plural chassis ˈcha-sēz How to pronounce chassis (audio)
ˈsha-sēz
: the supporting frame of a structure (such as an automobile or television)
Leaf springs are attached to the car's chassis.
also : the frame and working parts (as of an automobile or electronic device) exclusive of the body or housing

Examples of chassis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Torc is making a vital transition from engineering development to production intent hardware, software, and chassis. Richard Bishop, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 The larger chassis can be configured with the same memory and storage ceilings as the 14-inch model for $7,349. Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Like the smaller Vantage, its chassis exudes a calm yet resolute sense of poise that encourages you to test its limits and simply have fun. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024 The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in aerial platform and chassis sales. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chassis 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French châssis "window sash, cold frame, frame holding cloth to be painted or embroidered, supporting frame of a motor vehicle," going back to Old French chasiz "window frame" from casse (Anglo-Norman & Norman dialect) "reliquary" (Middle French chasse "frame, mount") + -iz, denominal collective suffix, often of things linked or intertwined, of uncertain origin — more at case entry 2

Note: To judge by the derivative chasiz, attested already in the twelfth century (Roman d'Énéas), the meaning "frame" of casse/chasse is older than its first Middle French attestation in the fourteenth century. Presumably the Latin source capsa had developed more than one sense, all subsumable under the meaning "something holding or enclosing" in Gallo-Romance.

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chassis was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near chassis

Cite this Entry

“Chassis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chassis. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chassis

noun
chas·​sis ˈshas-ē How to pronounce chassis (audio) ˈchas-ē How to pronounce chassis (audio)
plural chassis -ēz How to pronounce chassis (audio)
: a supporting frame (as that of the body of an automobile or airplane or the parts of a radio or television receiver)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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