caisson
UK /ˈkeɪ.sən/ · US /ˈkeɪ.sɑn/ noun
Forms caissons
- noun (engineering) A (permanent) enclosure from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.
- noun (engineering) A structure with similar function that is temporary.
- noun (architecture) A coffer (sunken panel).
- noun The gate across the entrance to a drydock.
- noun (nautical) A floating tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object and then pumped out to lift the object by buoyancy.
- noun (military) A two-wheeled, horse-drawn military vehicle used to carry ammunition (and a coffin at funerals).
- noun (military) A large box to hold ammunition.
- noun (military) A chest filled with explosive materials, used like a mine.
Synonyms
cofferdam coffer camel sea camel pontoon limber lacuna ammunition chest pneumatic caisson
Etymology
Borrowed from French caisson. Doublet of cassone and cajón.
Webster’s 1913
- noun (a) A chest to hold ammunition.
- noun A sunk panel of ceilings or soffits. Pneumatic caisson (Engin.), a caisson, closed at the top but open at the bottom, and resting upon the ground under water. The pressure of air forced into the caisson keeps the water out. Men and materials are admitted to the interior through an air lock. See Lock.
Etymology [F., fr. caisse, case, chest. See 1st Case.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “caisson”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details