Monocoque definition
A metal structure, such as an aircraft, in which the skin absorbs all or most of the stresses to which the body is subjected.
noun
Designating or of a kind of construction, as of a rocket, in which the skin or outer shell bears all or most of the stresses.
adjective
Designating or of a kind of construction, as of some racing cars, in which the body and chassis are a unit.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
monocoque
Plural:
monocoquesOrigin of monocoque
- French mono- mono- coque shell (from Old French) (from Latin coccum berry) (from Greek kokkos)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- First attested in 1914: from the French monocoque.
From Wiktionary