1. In vehicles:
* The basic frame of a vehicle. It's the structural foundation that supports all the other components, like the engine, body, wheels, and suspension. This is the most common meaning of the word.
* The entire supporting structure of a vehicle. In this sense, it includes not just the frame, but also the suspension, wheels, brakes, and steering.
2. In electronics:
* A framework or support structure for electronic components. For example, a computer motherboard is sometimes referred to as a chassis, as it provides the framework for all the other components to be mounted.
* A metal box or enclosure for electronic components. This is particularly common in server racks and other large-scale electronic systems.
3. In other contexts:
* A supporting framework or base. For example, you might hear someone talking about the "chassis of a building" to refer to its structural skeleton.
Here are some examples of how "chassis" is used:
* "The car's chassis was damaged in the accident."
* "The computer's chassis is made of aluminum."
* "The new model has a stiffer chassis for improved handling."
Ultimately, the meaning of "chassis" will depend on the context in which it's used.