ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chassis

n.
US //ˈtʃæsi// chas·sis
  1. 1 vehicle frame (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the strong metal frame that supports the engine and body of a car or truck.

    the internal framework of a motor vehicle, including the frame, wheels, and machinery, upon which the body is mounted.

    Example

    The mechanic checked the car's chassis for rust after the long winter.

    Example

    The heavy-duty truck features a reinforced steel chassis designed to withstand the stresses of off-road construction environments.

    Usage

    The plural form is also spelled 'chassis' but is pronounced with a final /iz/ sound instead of /i/.

  2. 2 electronics housing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    the metal frame inside a computer or radio that holds all the electronic parts.

    the internal metal frame or housing of an electronic device that provides structural support for circuit boards and components.

    Example

    He opened the computer chassis to install more memory.

    Example

    The server's modular chassis allows for the rapid replacement of power supply units without interrupting the system's operation.

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  1. 3 body part (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    a slang word for a woman's body, especially her bottom.

    a slang term referring to a woman's buttocks or general physical build.

    Example

    The old song used 'chassis' as a funny way to talk about a woman's shape.

    Example

    The use of 'chassis' to describe a person's physique is largely confined to mid-twentieth-century slang and is now considered objectifying.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is dated and can be seen as offensive or sexist in modern contexts; learners should avoid using it.

Origin

Borrowed from French châssis, from châsse, from Latin capsa (“case”).

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