chassis
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The mechanic checked the car's chassis for rust after the long winter.”
In context“The heavy-duty truck features a reinforced steel chassis designed to withstand the stresses of off-road construction environments.”
UsageThe plural form is also spelled 'chassis' but is pronounced with a final /iz/ sound instead of /i/.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“He opened the computer chassis to install more memory.”
In context“The server's modular chassis allows for the rapid replacement of power supply units without interrupting the system's operation.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a slang word for a woman's body, especially her bottom.
a slang term referring to a woman's buttocks or general physical build.
Simple“The old song used 'chassis' as a funny way to talk about a woman's shape.”
In context“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 tipThis sense is dated and can be seen as offensive or sexist in modern contexts; learners should avoid using it.
“The Pixel 11 Pro Fold saw the biggest chassis change compared to last year’s model, but even here, the difference is minor.”
“Last year, Apex announced a new flat satellite chassis called Comet.”
Borrowed from French châssis, from châsse, from Latin capsa (“case”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.