caisson — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A (permanent) enclosure from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   During the construction of the viaduct, the sinking of the caissons in the river bed caused much difficulty to the engineer and contractors, as a bed of running sand was encountered; in consequence, the expenditure for these foundations proved almost prohibitive.

   Caissons were enclosed dry chambers built on river beds to facilitate the construction of bridge piers.

2. A structure with similar function that is temporary.

   Synonyms

   cofferdamcoffer

3. A coffer (sunken panel).

4. The gate across the entrance to a drydock.

5. A floating tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object and then pumped out to lift the object by buoyancy.

   Synonyms

   camelsea camelpontoon

   Examples

   Near-synonym: pontoon

6. A two-wheeled, horse-drawn military vehicle used to carry ammunition (and a coffin at funerals).

   Synonyms

   limber

   Examples

   Near-synonym: limber

   Over hill, over dale / As we hit the dusty trail, / And those caissons go rolling along.

7. A large box to hold ammunition.

8. A chest filled with explosive materials, used like a mine.

Noun

1. an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome

   Synonyms

   cofferlacunar

   Broader terms

   panel

2. a two-wheeled military vehicle carrying artillery ammunition

   Broader terms

   military vehicle

3. a chest to hold ammunition

   Synonyms

   ammunition chest

   Broader terms

   chest

4. large watertight chamber used for construction under water

   Synonyms

   pneumatic caissoncofferdam

   Broader terms

   chamber