caisson
/ˈkeɪsən/
NOUN
1. Watertight chamber used in underwater construction
A large watertight enclosure from which water can be expelled to provide a dry working area for construction or repair below the water surface.
1.1. Enclosure for underwater construction
A watertight structure used to keep water out of an area where underwater foundation, bridge, or other engineering work is being carried out.
Synonyms
- cofferdam
- coffer
Examples
- Workers entered the caisson to repair the underwater foundation.
- The bridge supports were built inside a watertight caisson.
Related Words
- underwater chamber
- foundation
- pneumatic caisson
NOUN
2. Floating tank used to lift submerged objects
A tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object, and emptied to create buoyancy that raises the object.
2.1. Nautical lifting device
A buoyant tank used in marine salvage to raise sunken vessels or other heavy objects from underwater.
Synonyms
- camel
Examples
- The salvage crew attached a caisson to the sunken vessel.
- A caisson helped raise the submerged structure to the surface.
Related Words
- salvage tank
- lifting tank
- buoyancy
NOUN
3. Military vehicle for transporting ammunition
A two-wheeled vehicle, traditionally horse-drawn, used by the military to carry artillery ammunition.
3.1. Artillery ammunition transport
A military wagon designed to carry and transport ammunition for artillery units.
Synonyms
- ammunition wagon
- artillery wagon
Examples
- The horses pulled the caisson carrying ammunition toward the artillery position.
- A military caisson followed the field guns during the campaign.
Related Words
- limber
- artillery
- military vehicle
NOUN
4. Chest for storing ammunition
A box or chest designed to hold and store ammunition.
4.1. Ammunition storage container
A container used to store or transport ammunition, especially in a military setting.
Synonyms
- ammunition chest
- ammunition box
Examples
- The ammunition was stored in a locked caisson.
- Soldiers unloaded the caisson before the operation.
Related Words
- ammunition case
- munitions container
- cartridge box
NOUN
5. Ornamental recessed panel in a ceiling or dome
A sunken decorative panel, often square or polygonal, forming part of an architectural ceiling or dome.
5.1. Decorative architectural ceiling panel
A recessed panel used as an ornamental feature in ceilings, vaults, or domes.
Synonyms
- coffer
- lacunar
Examples
- The ceiling was decorated with rows of carved caissons.
- The dome featured ornamental caissons arranged in a geometric pattern.