cassette

[ kuh-set, ka- ]

noun

1. Also called cassette tape. a compact case containing a length of magnetic tape that runs between two small reels: used for recording or playback of audio or video in a tape recorder, cassette deck, video camera, or VCR, and for storage of data by some small computer systems. audiocassette, videocassette.
2. Photography. a lightproof metal or plastic container for a roll of film, having a single spool for supplying and rewinding the film.
3. a replaceable or refillable cartridge in a typewriter or printer that contains the ribbon or ink.
4. a case or tray in a printer or copier that holds the paper.

cassette

/ kæˈsɛt /

noun

1. 1. a plastic container for magnetic tape, as one inserted into a tape deck
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cassette recorder

2. photog another term for cartridge
3. films a container for film used to facilitate the loading of a camera or projector, esp when the film is used in the form of a loop
4. the injection of genes from one species into the fertilized egg of another species

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassette¹

1955–60; < French, equivalent to casse “box” ( case ² ) + -ette -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassette¹

C18: from French: little box; see case ²

Example Sentences

As described in the paper, the researchers created a novel genetic "cassette," a small group of DNA elements, and inserted it inside fruit flies as a proof-of-concept technology that could be applied to other insects.

From Science Daily

The cassette tapes are said to include "unfiltered moments" such as Paul McCartney swearing about a hostile journalist and 15 minutes of live concert recordings.

From BBC

When I was a kid, I had a VHS cassette of “The Best of John Belushi,” and I watched it on a loop.

From Los Angeles Times

The other option, cassettes, where the material had been bent and folded, had not.

From BBC

His earliest efforts saw a redesign of the band's logo, replacing a swirling union jack motif used on their demo cassette with a simple black-and-white box inspired by the Decca Records label from the 1960s.

From BBC

Related Words

• tape