ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌkōk, -ˌkäk noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French monocoque, from mon- + coque shell, from Latin coccum excrescence on a tree — more at coak
1. : an aircraft structure in which the stressed outer skin (as of metal or plywood) carries all or a major portion of the torsional and bending stresses
monocoque fuselage
2. : the structure of a vehicle (as a motor truck, trailer, or railroad car) in which the body is integral with and shares the stresses with the chassis
monocoque construction