The Plural of Chassis: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever needed to use the plural form of chassis and wondered what it is, you have come to the right place. This article will teach you what chassis is, the plural form of the word, the history and origin, synonyms, and examples of the word in context.

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What Is the Definition of Chassis?

The dominant meaning of the word chassis is:

  • the supporting base frame of a structure (such as an automobile or television)
    • Leaf springs are attached to the car’s chassis.
  • also: the steel frame and working parts (as of a motor vehicle or electronic device) like circuit components, components of a radio, or landing gear of an aircraft, exclusive of the body or housing like a window frame

The essential thing to understand about a car’s chassis is that it is the frame or skeleton where the rest of the car will be mounted to in construction. It is where the engine, wheels, axle, transmission, steering, brakes, and suspension is mounted. For modern vehicles the frame or chassis and the body of the car are melded together to form a single structure as opposed to early automobile production. This type of frame is known as a unibody. The shell of the car is made up of steel which then gets reinforced with braces that allow the car to handle all the forces that will be applied to the car when it’s driven. 

Types of Chassis

  1. Ladder frame – symmetrical longitudinal rails connected by a series of lateral support members to resemble a ladder.
  2. Unibody –  the body, floorboards, and major chassis structural support and crash-protection elements are welded, bonded, molded, or somehow joined into a single structural element
  3. Backbone tube – featuring a rigid spine that connected the front and rear suspension frames, one of which supported the powertrain
  4. X-frame – wherein the structural rails converge in the middle of the car, but this design provides little or no structural side impact protection.
  5. Perimeter frame – in which the framerails curve outboard between the tires to encompass the seating positions. 
  6. Platform frame – concept that unitized structural floor panels with the framerails for added stiffness. 
  7. Space frame –  internal framework of metal tubes or composite stringers bears most of the load while the exterior bodywork bears very little—like a human skeleton/skin setup

The History and Origin of the Word

It can be traced back to the year 1864. This word comes from the French châssis from chasse and the Latin capsa. Chasse was defined as “a rectangular steel or iron frame in which letterpress matter is locked (as for printing)” 

Synonyms of the Word Chassis From a Thesaurus

  • Frame –  something composed of parts fitted together and united
  • Undercarriage – a supporting framework or underside (as of an automobile)
  • Body –  the main, central, or principal part
  • Case – an outer covering or housing
  • Skeleton – a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism
  • especially: the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate

What Is the Plural Form of the Word

The plural form of the word chassis is spelled the exact same, however, the pronunciation changes. The plural is pronounced chass-eez instead of CHASS-ee (singular) when there is more than one chassis number. 

Example Sentences of the Word in Context

Summary

The English language can be a tricky thing since it is a compilation of many other languages. Finding the correct plural forms of words is an important step to becoming well educated. Now you are an expert on all things regarding our word of the day, chassis. Next time you need to write the word emphasis, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to do it efficiently. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chassis
  2. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a33500581/jeep-wagoneer/
  3. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a33227022/2020-cadillac-ct4-drive/
  4. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/08/apples-27-inch-imac-gets-comet-lake-t2-chip-a-better-camera-and-more/
  5. https://www.popsci.com/story/shop/usb-hubs-for-charging/
  6. https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2020/08/10/republic-services-nikola-deal-electric-trucks/3322938001/
  7. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2020/08/11/indy-500-fernando-alonso-mclaren-redemption-2020/5534472002/
  8. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/brief-history-cozy-coupe-180975545/
  9. https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-new-spotting-scopes-put-to-the-test/
  10. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chase#etymology
  11. https://www.britannica.com/technology/automobile/Chassis
  12. https://www.motortrend.com/news/body-on-frame-vs-unibody-vs-monocoque-what-is-the-difference/