chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈcha-sē  ˈsha-sē 

 also  ˈcha-səs

plural chassis ˈcha-sēz 

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

Fast and fun, its cars and SUVs combined the old-timey brute power of big-displacement gasoline engines with the sophistication of modern chassis engineering and electronics. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024

It's built atop the same 4x2-in steel-tube A-frame chassis as higher-tier Boreas trailers and features a 3,500-lb Cruisemaster CRS2 independent suspension brought over from Australia. —New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2024

The truck had suddenly turned right, crossing the road's bike path and forcing Adam's entrapment under its chassis. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

The sixth of just 32 examples built, this 250 LM (chassis number 5893) is arguably the most significant Ferrari race car of all time. —Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈshas-ē  ˈchas-ē 

plural chassis -ēz 

: a supporting frame (as that of the body of an automobile or airplane or the parts of a radio or television receiver)