caisson
Pronunciation: /ˈkeɪ.sən/
The English word “caisson” has 8 meanings listed here.
noun
- A (permanent) enclosure from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.
- A structure with similar function that is temporary.
- A coffer (sunken panel).
- The gate across the entrance to a drydock.
- A floating tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object and then pumped out to lift the object by buoyancy.
- A two-wheeled, horse-drawn military vehicle used to carry ammunition (and a coffin at funerals).
- A large box to hold ammunition.
- A chest filled with explosive materials, used like a mine.
Etymology
Borrowed from French caisson. Doublet of cassone and cajón.
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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.