monocoque

noun

mono·​coque ˈmä-nə-ˌkōk How to pronounce monocoque (audio)
-ˌkäk
1
: a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses
2
: a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis compare space frame, unibody

Examples of monocoque 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.
Using a unibody, or monocoque, construction makes these Mustangs stiffer and lighter than a body on frame design. Karl Brauer, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Note that the seats are integrated into the monocoque, which helps reduce the wheelbase by 70 millimeters, and further trims the weight. Jason Barlow, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024 Carbon fiber monocoque casing for the battery pack. New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2024 While step-through ebikes can suffer from frame flex, the unique carbon-fiber monocoque design of the rear-drive Hero displayed no discernible flex while riding. William Roberson, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for monocoque 

Word History

Etymology

French, from mon- + coque shell, probably from Latin coccum kermes — more at cocoon

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monocoque was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near monocoque

Cite this Entry

“Monocoque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monocoque. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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