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

After sitting in storage for two decades, the chassis was purchased in the 1960s by Baron Johan Otto Raben-Levetzau, the owner of Denmark’s Aalholm Automobili Museum, and shipped back to Europe. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

Miraculously, the chassis always feels securely planted—never floaty or wallowing—keeping body roll to a minimum even during evasive maneuvers (this is an excellent time to mention that the platform is also shared with the Lamborghini Urus). —Michael Harley, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

There's a lot going on under the hood – and under the chassis – to make that happen. —New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2024

Play/Pause Button Pause Video: Ferrari The chassis itself is made of T800 carbon fiber, the same grade that Ferrari’s F1 cars are constructed from, with other composites used in critical areas. —Jason Barlow, WIRED, 17 Oct. 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)