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.

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

He laid down a number of songs in his bedroom on a four-track cassette recorder and then sent a tape to his manager, Jon Landau, expecting to cut them at a future studio date.

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She said she tried to "hang on" to Karen as she got on a bus after an argument over Karen stealing a cassette recorder in 1981, but she failed to stop her.

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Recently, Rose started collecting audio cassettes, which he plays on an outdated boombox complete with an antenna.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“My dad wasn’t into music at all, but he randomly happened to pick up an amazing selection of cassettes,” says Wiggs.

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The phrase worked almost like those self-esteem cassette tapes I used to see in bookstore displays as a kid: corny, repetitive, weirdly powerful — a kind of culinary manifestation.

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Related Words

• tape