monocoque
noun
mono·coque ˈmä-nə-ˌkōk 
-ˌkäk
1
: a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses
2
: a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis compare space frame, unibody
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The vehicle weighs a claimed 1,752 lbs, and cloaks a 50 kWh battery drivetrain beneath a standard aluminum or an optional carbon-fiber monocoque. 
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2022 McLaren says that Solus can produce more than 2,635 pounds of downforce, while the whole car is said to weigh under 2,205 pounds, thanks to a carbon-fibre monocoque and front and rear chassis structures. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 19 Aug. 2022 But use of the same carbon monocoque as the coupe, which weighs just 190 pounds naked, means that structural strength should be almost exactly the same, even with the roof removed. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2022 The Project24 makes its track focus clear with a carbon fiber body and monocoque, FIA-grade roll cage, ventilated Brembo brakes, and slick racing tires. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 22 July 2022 The lightweight endurance racer, which looks like a real-life Batmobile, is built around a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and has full carbon bodywork. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 June 2022 Aluminum subframes mate to the front and rear of the monocoque. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 14 June 2022 Safety will be key, and Senna says the drones will use a motorsport-style monocoque chassis to keep pilots protected in an accident. Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022 At the heart of its carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is a fully electric powertrain just like the one featured in the Techeetha Formula E racer. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2022 See More
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2022 McLaren says that Solus can produce more than 2,635 pounds of downforce, while the whole car is said to weigh under 2,205 pounds, thanks to a carbon-fibre monocoque and front and rear chassis structures. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 19 Aug. 2022 But use of the same carbon monocoque as the coupe, which weighs just 190 pounds naked, means that structural strength should be almost exactly the same, even with the roof removed. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2022 The Project24 makes its track focus clear with a carbon fiber body and monocoque, FIA-grade roll cage, ventilated Brembo brakes, and slick racing tires. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 22 July 2022 The lightweight endurance racer, which looks like a real-life Batmobile, is built around a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and has full carbon bodywork. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 June 2022 Aluminum subframes mate to the front and rear of the monocoque. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 14 June 2022 Safety will be key, and Senna says the drones will use a motorsport-style monocoque chassis to keep pilots protected in an accident. Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022 At the heart of its carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is a fully electric powertrain just like the one featured in the Techeetha Formula E racer. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
French, from mon- + coque shell, probably from Latin coccum kermes — more at cocoon
First Known Use
1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1