caisson

Meaning

  1. An enclosure from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.
  2. The gate across the entrance to a dry dock.
  3. A floating tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object and then pumped out to lift the object by buoyancy; a camel.
  4. A two-wheeled, horse-drawn military vehicle used to carry ammunition (and a coffin at funerals).
  5. A large box to hold ammunition.
  6. A chest filled with explosive materials, used like a mine.
  7. A coffer.

Synonyms

ammunition chest

pneumatic caisson

float case

dock gate

Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈkeɪ.sən/
Etymology

Borrowed from French caisson. Doublet of cassone and cajón.

Notes

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