cassette

[kuh-set, ka-] /kəˈsɛt, kæ-/
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 in a tape recorder or cassette deck and by some small computer systems to store programs and data.
Compare microcassette, minicassette.
2.
an audio cassette or videocassette.
3.
Photography. a lightproof metal or plastic container for a roll of film, having a single spool for supplying and rewinding the film.
Origin
1955-60; < French, equivalent to casse box (see case2) + -ette -ette
British Dictionary definitions for cassette

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 (sense 5)
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 Origin
C18: from French: little box; see case²
Word Origin and History for cassette
n.

1793, "little box," from French cassette, from Middle French casset, diminutive of Old North French casse "box" (see case (n.2)). Meaning "magnetic tape recorder cartridge" is from 1960.

Encyclopedia Article for cassette

in audio and video recording, flat, rectangular container made of plastic or lightweight metal that holds magnetic tape for audio or video recording and replay. A tape cassette is designed so that it can be inserted in a recorder and used immediately; it eliminates the need to thread a portion of the tape manually before starting the recorder. In a cassette the tape begins on a feed reel at one side and moves along guides through the record-playback mechanism, after which it passes on to the take-up reel on the opposite side.

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