chassis
Chassis (noun) means the supporting frame of a vehicle, onto which the body, engine, and wheels are mounted. Example: “Mechanics inspected the chassis for rust before the sale.”
How to use chassis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe structural frame of a car or machine.
Word forms
chassis plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Mechanics inspected the _____ for rust before the sale.
Etymology
From French châssis, from Latin capsa ("case, box").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “chassis” mean?
The word “chassis” means the supporting frame of a vehicle, onto which the body, engine, and wheels are mounted. In plain terms, the structural frame of a car or machine.
How do you pronounce “chassis”?
“Chassis” is pronounced CHA-see (/ˈt͡ʃæsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “chassis” in a sentence?
Here is “chassis” used in a sentence: “Mechanics inspected the chassis for rust before the sale.”
What part of speech is “chassis”?
“Chassis” is a noun.
Where does the word “chassis” come from?
The word “chassis” comes from Latin. From French châssis, from Latin capsa ("case, box").
Is “chassis” a common word?
“Chassis” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chassis” have?
“Chassis” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the supporting frame of a vehicle, onto which the body, engine, and wheels are mounted.
What is the difference between a chassis and a frame?
Chassis and frame are often used interchangeably to describe the supporting structure of a vehicle, though chassis can also refer more broadly to a frame or casing that holds electrical or mechanical components in non-vehicle contexts, such as a computer chassis. Frame more narrowly suggests the structural skeleton alone.
Is chassis only used for cars?
No, while chassis commonly refers to a vehicle's supporting frame for the body, engine, and wheels, it also describes the frame or casing holding electrical or mechanical components in devices like computers or amplifiers. The word applies wherever a structural base supports other parts.
How is chassis pronounced differently from how it's spelled?
Chassis is spelled with an 's' at the end that is silent, so it is pronounced without a final 's' sound. Its plural form, also spelled chassis, is pronounced with a slight 'z' sound at the end to distinguish it from the singular.