chassis

IPA/ˈʃæsi/
KK[tʃˈæsi]IPA/ˈʃæsi/

chassis — noun

  • chassissingular
  • chassisesplural

1. the strong metal structure underneath a vehicle that holds the engine, wheels, a

1.nounB2
Definition

the strong metal structure underneath a vehicle that holds the engine, wheels, and outer body panels together

Example

The mechanic lifted the car to inspect the chassis for rust damage.

collocation: inspect the chassis

A damaged chassis can make a vehicle unsafe to drive on the road.

noun + be + adjective pattern

Common collocations
  • inspect the chassis
  • damaged chassis
  • chassis rust
  • lightweight chassis
  • chassis repair
  • steel chassis
Synonyms
  • frame

    more general term; 'frame' can refer to any supporting structure

  • underframe

    specifically the lower supporting part of a vehicle

  • skeleton

    metaphorical; highlights the supporting role of the chassis

Usage Note

Frequently appears in automotive repair and safety contexts. Use 'chassis' for the structural frame of a vehicle, not for the outer body panels.

Common Mistakes

The chassis of the car had a scratch after the accident.
The bodywork of the car had a scratch after the accident.
'chassis' refers to the structural frame underneath, not the painted outer panels.
The car's chassis is made of painted steel panels.
The car's chassis is made of welded steel beams.
chassis is the internal skeleton, not the body shell.

2. the metal or plastic outer case that protects the electronic parts inside comput

2.nounB2
Definition

the metal or plastic outer case that protects the electronic parts inside computers, radios, and other similar equipment

Example

The technician removed the chassis to reach the circuit board inside.

collocation: remove the chassis

A metal chassis helps protect sensitive electronic parts from dust and heat.

collocation: metal chassis

Common collocations
  • remove the chassis
  • metal chassis
  • chassis fan
  • chassis cover
  • replace the chassis
  • chassis design
Synonyms
  • casing

    more general; usually refers to the outer covering only

  • housing

    common in engineering; emphasises the protective function

  • cabinet

    often used for floor-standing equipment like servers or amplifiers

Usage Note

Distinguish from 'case' or 'housing': 'chassis' often includes the internal mounting frame as well as the outer shell of a device.

Common Mistakes

I dropped my phone and cracked its chassis.
I dropped the desktop computer and cracked its chassis.
'chassis' is used for larger equipment like computers and servers, not for handheld devices.
The laptop's chassis broke when I closed it.
The laptop's screen hinge broke when I closed it.
'chassis' is the main casing; individual small parts have their own names.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While 'chassis' refers to the complete load-bearing structure under a vehicle including its mechanical components, 'frame' is a broader term that can apply to any supporting skeleton (a picture frame, a building frame). 'Underframe' is more specific, naming just the lower part of the structure rather than the whole assembly. 'Skeleton' is a metaphor that emphasises how the chassis supports everything else, similar to bones in a body, but is less precise in mechanical contexts. 'Undercarriage' overlaps with chassis but focuses on the parts beneath a vehicle — including suspension and wheels — rather than the entire supporting frame. For example, a mechanic might say 'the chassis is bent' about structural damage, but 'the undercarriage is dirty' about mud and grime underneath.

frame ↗underframe ↗skeleton ↗undercarriage

Common collocations

Nouns

  • chassis damage
  • chassis design
  • chassis number
  • chassis type

Prepositions

  • on the chassis
  • inside the chassis
  • to the chassis

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'chassis' entered English from French 'châssis', meaning 'frame' or 'framework'. The French term comes from 'châsse' (a shrine, a frame for holding something precious), which traces back to Latin 'capsa', meaning 'box' or 'container'. The journey from 'box' to 'supporting frame' reflects how the same word evolved to name the rigid structure that holds a vehicle or device together.