Undercarriage: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in general English to refer to the supporting structure of a vehicle, particularly the part that is underneath. It's not specific to aviation and can be used for trains and other vehicles.

• The undercarriage of the old train needed extensive repairs.
• He inspected the undercarriage of the car to check for any damage.

Specifically used in the context of aviation. It refers to the parts of an aircraft that allow it to take off, land, and taxi. It's a technical term used by pilots, engineers, and in aviation documentation.

• The pilot lowered the landing gear as the plane prepared to touch down.
• They discovered a fault in the landing gear during the pre-flight inspection.

A more technical term that refers specifically to the entire system of components that make up the undercarriage, often used in engineering and mechanical contexts. It can be applied to both aviation and other vehicles.

• Engineers worked on the undercarriage assembly to ensure it was functioning properly.
• The manual provided detailed diagrams of the undercarriage assembly for maintenance.

Commonly used in aviation and trains to describe the support framework or landing gear.

• The airplane's undercarriage retracted smoothly after takeoff.
• The train's undercarriage was inspected for any signs of wear.

Typically used in automotive and electronics to refer to the base frame of a vehicle or the structural framework of a device.

• The car's chassis needed reinforcement after the accident.
• This computer’s chassis is made of lightweight aluminum.

Used when talking about the bottom part of a vehicle, often in relation to protection from rust or damage.

• Applying an underbody coating can prevent rust.
• The mechanic checked the car's underbody for any damage.